MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Officials say the fight over the paving of International Drive could last another year.
The Coastal Conservation League and SC Wildlife Federation say they plan to appeal a judge’s decision to allow the county to pave and widen the six mile stretch between Carolina Forest and SC 90.
“Yes, we are filing an appeal in the court of appeals on behalf of our clients, SC Wildlife Federation and the Coastal Conservation League on August 25th, when the appeal is due,” Amy Armstrong, Executive Director and General Counsel for South Carolina Environmental Law Project said.
The appeal will put another hold on the project until the movement is resolved.
Horry County Council Chairman Mark Lazarus issued a statement Friday regarding the plan to appeal the ruling to higher court.
“Are we highly disappointed? Yes. Are we surprised by their continued desire to appeal this project? Absolutely not. The courts have sided with us along this lengthy journey, and we have no doubt that in the end International Drive will be paved. We can’t thank the citizens enough for their loyal and vocal support of this project and the importance it will make in our community. We will continue to fight for the voters of Horry County who overwhelmingly approved this project and which has been approved by every regulator agency in the state and the United States that officially regulates these types of projects.“
The environmental groups argue the project could harm wildlife while the judge maintains the project could improve water quality and added provisions to minimize the environmental impact of the project.
