CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - In a speech at Carowinds on Thursday, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster gave two announcements: As he described it, one was about "a man" and the other was about "money."
The "money" portion of the Thursday, Dec. 12 speech turned out to be an announcement that the governor is proposing $2 million in next year's budget be set aside for a study at the state's border.
The announcement was made just a few hundred feet from Exit 90, where I-77 crosses into South Carolina. The area is known for bottlenecks caused by the 40,000 vehicles that use the interchange daily.
Data from the South Carolina Department of Transportation shows that approximately 170,000 vehicles travel along this stretch of I-77, which connects Carowinds Boulevard to the state line.
"Exit 90 has been referred to as the entrance to South Carolina," Gov. McMaster said during his address. "Today, roughly 40,000 vehicles travel through the interchange every day, and that number will continue to grow. That's why we're here."
The feasibility study, which McMaster plans to include in next year's budget proposal, represents the first step toward addressing the traffic woes. The study will explore potential solutions to improve traffic flow, including the construction of a new interchange in the area.
"This is really part one," said South Carolina Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell. "Simply put, it is the first step in the process of studying and ultimately leading to the construction of a new interchange here."
The initiative comes as York County continues to experience rapid growth, with more homes and businesses expected to add to the strain on the region's infrastructure. McMaster emphasized the importance of both addressing current traffic issues and planning for future development to prevent further gridlock.
While the announcement signals progress, much work remains. The state legislature must approve the funding in the upcoming budget session before any detailed planning or construction begins. Officials also acknowledged the challenges of balancing the costs and potential disruptions that such projects could entail.
In addition to the announcement of the funding for a feasibility study, Gov. McMaster also announced the nomination of Dr. Britt Blackwell to the State Department of Transportation Commission. Blackwell is a former York County Council Chairman.