The Dillon County Council approved a joint resolution in support of I-73 at a recent called meeting.
This came after the council had repeatedly refused to pass I-73 support resolutions in the past.
Councilman Bobby Moody made the motion seconded by Councilman Macio Williamson.
Voting for the motion were Councilmen B. Moody, Williamson, Aron Gandy, and Joe Johnson.
Voting against the motion were Councilmen Harold Moody and Andrew Graves.
Councilman Archie Scott did not take any action.
The resolution is as follows:
RESOLUTION R-65-11
COUNTY OF HORRY
COUNTY OF MARION
COUNTY OF DILLON
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
A JOINT RESOLUTION BETWEEN THE SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTIES OF HORRY, MARION, AND DILLON TO EXPRESS MULTI-GOVERNMENTAL UNITY IN SUPPORT OF I-73 AND THE POSITIVE AND COMMON CONTRIBUTIONS THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WILL HAVE ON THE ECONOMY, JOB CREATION, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE REPRESENTED COMMUNITIES.
WHEREAS, recent studies published by Chmura Economics & Analytics and Coastal Carolina Research Economist Dr. Don Schunk illustrate positive impacts I-73 will have on vital aspects of citizens and businesses within the proposed construction corridor, and
WHEREAS, the greatly detailed and expert analyses reach an obvious and unavoidable conclusion: citizens, employers and employees, businesses and industry, and school systems will benefit, and the general quality of life in our area will improve, as a result of the investments in and around I-73 project, and
WHEREAS, the economies of the Counties of Horry, Marion, and Dillon, have suffered from high unemployment rates, the lack of, not only jobs, but also the lack of high-paying and high-tech jobs, per capita income rates well below state and national averages, and in sections of the region, stagnant population growth, and
WHEREAS, the lack of transportation infrastructure such as I-73 has historically contributed to losses of industry to neighboring states or regions of South Carolina, the slow erosion of the tax base due to the shuttering of local businesses, resulting in spiraling reductions in available jobs and an increased need for government services and aid, and further, contributing to the persistent lack of resources for local schools, and
WHEREAS, it is the firm belief that uniform support of the I-73 project by the Councils of these Counties is of direct benefit of our citizens, employees, businesses, and students…
THEREFOERE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Councils of Horry, Marion, and Dillon hereby expresses mutual inter-governmental support of the I-73 project as proposed.
AND IT IS SO RESOLVED.