Grand Strand officials are watching the new Democratic control of Congress with concern, because the 80‑mile stretch of Interstate‑73 that will become the “President Donald J. Trump Highway” still lacks the federal dollars needed to start construction. The road, which would link the North Carolina border to I‑95 and improve hurricane‑evacuation routes, is already 99% right‑of‑way secured, but the $1.6‑$2 billion price tag remains unfunded.
Local progress, federal roadblock
South Carolina’s Department of Transportation reported in February that it has acquired nearly all the land needed between I‑95 and U.S. 501, and most of the corridor west of S.C. 22. Construction plans for the first phase were completed at the end of 2024, yet no federal or state money has been earmarked. Horry County voters approved the RIDE IV program in November 2024, pledging roughly $450 million, but that local share only becomes available once a federal agency signs a construction contract.
Trump’s promise and the new reality
President Trump visited Myrtle Beach in August and told a crowd that top officials in Washington were ready to fund the highway. While he cited confidence that money was forthcoming, no specific dollar amount was disclosed. The only concrete congressional action noted was Rep. Russell Fry’s request in March for an undisclosed sum to cover right‑of‑way work.
With Democrats now holding a 231‑seat majority in the House and a 54‑44 edge in the Senate, the funding source has shifted from a Republican‑led transportation committee to a Democratic one. The road’s name—honoring President Trump—makes the request a politically sensitive ask for the new majority.
Why Rep. Jim Clyburn matters
South Carolina’s lone Democratic House member, Rep. Jim Clyburn, could become the project’s most effective sponsor. Though his 6th District does not include Horry County, Clyburn has a history of bipartisan highway work. In 2010 he helped secure a $10 million federal award for I‑73, and in 2024 he was credited, along with Sen. Lindsey Graham, for obtaining funds to replace the I‑95 bridges over Lake Marion.
Clyburn recently announced that, if Democrats regain control of the House, he would lead the committees overseeing transportation, housing, and urban development. That position would place him at the helm of the very appropriations process needed to move I‑73 forward.
Local leaders’ realistic path forward
Grand Strand officials acknowledge that the most viable route to federal money now runs through Rep. Clyburn. While he has not publicly taken a stance on the highway’s naming, his track record suggests he could negotiate funding that benefits both the Pee Dee region and the Grand Strand’s tourism‑driven economy.
State Rep. Heather Crawford of Socastee introduced the naming legislation in January, citing President Trump’s first administration for securing the Army Corps of Engineers permit that made the road buildable. The South Carolina House passed the measure 76‑28, and the Senate approved it on March 25, with strong support from Sen. Graham and Rep. Fry.
What the community stands to gain
Supporters argue that an interstate link would give the Grand Strand a competitive edge over other beach destinations that already enjoy direct highway access. It would also provide a second hurricane‑evacuation route for southern Horry County, addressing long‑standing safety concerns expressed by local legislators such as Rep. Lee Hewitt.
Critics in some neighboring counties warn of potential impacts, but the prevailing sentiment among business leaders and residents is that the economic and safety benefits outweigh those concerns.
Looking ahead
As the new Congress convenes, the focus will be on whether Rep. Clyburn can marshal the necessary appropriations. If successful, the Donald J. Trump Highway could move from a shovel‑ready vision to a funded reality, delivering jobs, improved evacuation routes, and stronger connectivity for the Grand Strand and the broader Pee Dee region.
Original reporting: MyrtleBeachSC News — read the source article.
