I-73 construction would make Little Pee Dee among most endangered rivers in U.S., report says

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — A completed Interstate 73 would pave over valuable wetlands and threaten habitats of fish and wildlife — impacts so severe that it would put the Little Pee Dee among America’s most endangered rivers.

That’s the conclusion made by the nonprofit advocacy group American Rivers, which on Tuesday listed the 118-mile waterway as among the nation’s 10 most at-risk in 2024.

“There is no need for a new interstate,” said Becky Ryon, North Coast office director of the Coastal Conservation League. “Improving existing roads would deliver similar economic and transportation benefits at a fraction of the cost of building I-73.”

From its headwaters at Gum Swamp and Shoeheel Creek in North Carolina, the Little Pee Dee
flows into the state at Marlboro County and continues southeast until it converges with the Great Pee Dee River at the tri-county connection with Georgetown County.

Gov. Henry McMaster and other political leaders within I-73’s proposed boundary disagree, insisting that the highway would be another evacuation corridor that also holds millions in economic potential.

McMaster has been a proponent of the interstate’s expansion throughout his administration. In 2021, he first proposed a $300 million investment to be funded through COVID-era federal aid. The same suggested allocation was included in his 2023-24 executive budget proposal.

“I think it’s important it happens,” he told News13 during a stop in Myrtle Beach last month. “I’ve been in favor of that. This area is growing and we need to be able to get people in and out, and do so safely.”

A finished I-73 is estimated to create 29,000 jobs and cut evacuation times by up to 15 hours. Officials said it would take about $300 million to build out the first 6 miles to Highway 501 with an I-95 interchange. The total cost is about $2 billion.

American Rivers said an operational I-73 would impact 313 acres of wetlands, disturb 13 perennial streams and create greater flood risks. A decline in land and aquatic species calling the watershed home is also likely, the group said.

“The Little Pee Dee River is not just a body of water; it’s a vital lifeline to our ecosystem, our heritage, and our future,” said Debra Buffkin, executive director of Winyah Rivers Alliance.

McMaster left I-73 out of his recommended spending plan for next year as long-term local and federal financial support has dwindled. Horry County leaders in 2021 rejected a proposal to put up $4.2 million a year for 30 years or $126 million in all toward the construction of I-73 using hospitality fee revenues, saying at the time there wasn’t a clear fiscal path forward.

“I have followed this for the past, I guess it’s been like 30 years now that’s been ongoing,” Buffkin said. “I remember when it was first though of, the whole process of I-73.”

Marion County, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach leaders have all supported resolutions pledging local money for an expanded I-73.

And up to half of the cost could be covered through Horry County RIDE IV revenues should voters approve the referendum in November — and only if construction contracts are finalized between state and federal agencies.

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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12 . See more of his work here .

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Jackie LiBrizzi is a multimedia journalist at News13. Jackie is originally from Hamilton, New Jersey, and was raised in Piedmont, South Carolina. Jackie joined the News13 team in June 2023 after she graduated as a student-athlete from the University of South Carolina in May 2023. Follow Jackie on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook , or Instagram , and read more of her work he r e .

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