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In an intriguing development from Myrtle Beach, one of President Trump’s staunchest political supporters has voiced his endorsement for a proposal to name South Carolina’s unfinished Interstate 73 in honor of the former president.
Governor Henry McMaster, speaking on Monday during a visit to Myrtle Beach, expressed his enthusiasm for the idea. “I think that’s a terrific idea. I think he’s a terrific president and I think he’s doing a great job,” McMaster remarked. “He’s done things that needed doing for a long time.”
Interstate 73 stands as one of South Carolina’s most ambitious yet elusive transportation projects. The proposed multi-billion dollar highway, stretching 80 miles, aims to connect the state to the North Carolina border, cutting through rural areas of the Pee Dee region and passing through Marlboro and Dillon counties.
McMaster’s admiration for Trump extended beyond the political realm. “He’s fearless and he won’t quit, and I think it would be very nice to have a street, a road, a highway named after Donald Trump,” he noted. With a touch of humor, he added, “I imagine some people will be naming their children after Donald Trump. How many George Washingtons do you know, and Thomas Jeffersons? They’re all over the place.”
Back in 2021, McMaster had already advocated for significant state investment in this infrastructure project, urging lawmakers to allocate $300 million in the budget for I-73. He described the highway as a “transformative component” crucial to the economic future of South Carolina.
City and county councils from across the region have pledged financial support for I-73, echoing MacMaster’s prediction of its success. But those promises hinge on guaranteed funding streams from state and federal sources. Horry County leaders in 2021 rejected a proposal to put up $4.2 million a year for 30 years or $126 million in all toward the construction of I-73 using hospitality fee revenues, saying at the time there wasn’t a clear fiscal path forward.
Last month, eight members of Horry County’s legislative delegation signed onto a resolution calling for the move. The county council is also in favor of the idea along with big GOP names including U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, R-7th District.
The proposal is awaiting action in the House Invitations and Memorial Resolutions Committee.