MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- The City of Myrtle Beach passed motions Tuesday supporting the I-73 project after pulling its accommodations tax money from Horry County.
City leaders said their motions passed Tuesday affirm their commitment to I-73, and showed they’re willing to negotiate with other municipalities.
City Council wants to participate in an intergovernmental agreement with all parties involved in constructing I-73. It would be a formal agreement establishing basic details of the deal.
Horry County was previously collecting $17.8 million dollars of Myrtle Beach’s accommodations tax and $9.8 million dollars of that was to go towards I-73 for 20 years.
After taking that money back, the city is discussing giving $7.5 million dollars for 30 years to go towards the highway.
“That would also leave more funding available for people who do come to visit,” said Myrtle Beach Chief Financial Officer Mike Shelton.
The mayor said I-73 will help with tourism, hurricane evacuations, and the economy.
“It will give Myrtle Beach the opportunity to open up to other types of industries to come to not only to this area, but some other areas in the county that really don’t have much industry other than farm land,” said Mayor Brenda Bethune.
The mayor said they have been in contact with Horry County and other municipalities. The city manager said regardless of what the county decides they are committed to this road project.
