Segment of SC's I-73 goes unchallenged

Somewhat surprisingly, the Record of Decision on the southern South Carolina segment -- I-95 to Myrtle Beach -- of Interstate 73 went unchallenged this past week.

The 60 day review and comment period to challenge and object to the federal ok for the highway, which is required by Federal Law, went by quietly since the February decision.

One of the likely groups to have challenged/objected to the record of decision - the Coastal Conservation League - decided against any objections at this time; deciding rather to wait and watch the process.

"We think it is just too early and it isn't appropriate at this time," said Nancy Cave, director of the north coast office of the league.

Story: The Myrtle Beach Sun News

Commentary:

Well the article is correct the highway cleared a major hurdle when no challenges to the February Record of Decision was made. In addition to the Coastal Conservation League, I am surprised that the Southeastern Environmental Law Center also did not file an objection as they have been actively watching and commenting on the entire I-73 process.

Of course, as future construction permits are requested for the 60 mile segment. Both the CCL and the SELC will be curious and concerned about how the SCDOT goes about its business. But, it's a good start.

The state is slowly beginning the right-of-way purchase phase for the highway. But with no dedicated funding source - federal funds, tolls, or a public-private partnership - it is uncertain when the highway will still be built.

And one last thing, it is quite possible that after a decision on funding...that there could still be more delays and possible extra environmental clearances needed. Quoting from the article:

The Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League will examine the DOT's construction permit applications, and it is concerned about how the agency will compensate for destruction of wetland when the road is built.
The road so far has no definite funding stream, though it could impose a toll, and the DOT is looking for a public-private partnership to pay for part or all of the project.
Cave said if tolls are imposed or a partnership is adopted, the league may insist that a new Environmental Impact Statement be prepared because the existing document does not address toll booths and other facilities that would be needed.

Hmmm, there's still a lot of i's to dot and t's to cross before anyone will be driving on I-73 in South Carolina.

Comments

Bridgeport Covered Bridge

The Bridgeport Covered Bridge is a historic crossing of the South Fork Yuba River located in Nevada County, California near Nevada City. The Bridgeport Covered Bridge opened as a tolled crossing during 1862 as part of the larger Henness Pass Road. The Bridgeport Covered Bridge closed to vehicle traffic during 1972 and was recently restored during 2021. The Bridgeport Covered Bridge is historically California's longest covered span is thought to likely be the longest such structure surviving in the world. Featured as the blog cover is the Bridgeport Covered Bridge during 1950 when it was an active part of Pleasant Valley Road. The history of the Bridgeport Covered Bridge The history of Bridgeport Covered Bridge was featured in the September 1950 California Highways & Public Works . Bridgeport Covered Bridge was constructed during 1862 over the South Fork Yuba River. The Bridgeport Covered Bridge served as part of the Virginia Turnpike Company maintained Henness Pass Roa

Former California State Route 215

California State Route 215 was a short-lived state highway which existed in the Los Angeles Metropolitain area after the 1964 State Highway Renumbering. California State Route 215 was aligned from US Route 60 at 5th Street in Pomona north to US Route 66 near Claremont via Garey Avenue. California State Route 215 came to be after California State Route 71 was bisected in Pomona due to relinquishment of a portion of Garey Avenue due to the opening of a portion of the Corona Freeway (now Chino Valley Freeway) during 1958. California State Route 215 was deleted by the Legislature during 1965. The history of California State Route 215 The initial segment of what was to become California State Route 215 was added to the State Highway System as part of the 1909 First State Highway Bond Act. The First State Highway Bond Act defined what would become Legislative Route Number 19 (LRN 19) as running from Claremont to Riverside. The segment of LRN 19 between Claremont and Pomona would in

US Route 70 over San Augustin Pass

San Augustin Pass is a gap in the Organ Mountains, San Augustin Mountains and San Andres in Dona Ana County east of Las Cruces. San Augustin Pass lies an elevation of approximately 5,600 feet above sea level and was originally traversed by New Mexico State Route 3. US Route 70 would be realigned over San Augustin Pass during 1934 when it was extended to Los Angeles, California. During 1963 US Route 82 would be extended through San Augustin Pass to Las Cruces. Since the early the early 1990s signage of US Route 82 has been withdrawn to Alamogordo. San Augustin Pass and US Route 70 are largely known for the numerous closures due to test firings originating from the White Sands Missile Range. Part 1; the history of highway designations over San Augustin Pass San Augustin Pass traditionally has been the easiest from the Rio Grande in Las Cruces east to the Tularosa Basin. The terrain conditions at San Augustin Pass allowed for an easy crossing in the gap between the Organ Mountains

Gribblenation

Search This Blog