South Carolina Ping 
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Posted on 12/27/2017 7:12:00 PM PST by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
MYRTLE BEACH — Environmental groups are challenging the federal permits that allow construction of Interstate 73, a project that is the longtime dream of Grand Strand tourism officials.
The lawsuit was filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of the Coastal Conservation League. It claims the Army Corps of Engineers relied on an outdated environmental study and did not consider alternatives to I-73 as it issued permits this June to begin work on the road, therefore violating federal law.
Catherine Wannamaker, an attorney for the SELC, said that the agencies involved in issuing the permits were stuck on the idea of an interstate instead of upgrading U.S. Highway 501 and S.C. Highway 38, as her group and the CCL have suggested.
"I think it’s because Myrtle Beach special interests are fixated on a new interstate, which I guess they think will bring more people faster," she said.
The Federal Highway Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, which are named as defendants, did not provide comment. Representatives of the Charleston district of the Army Corps and the S.C. Department of Transportation declined to comment on pending litigation.
The lawsuit claims the construction that was green-lit by the Army Corps would impact 324 acres of wetlands and other protected aquatic areas, including the Little Pee Dee Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area, which includes land along the Little Pee Dee River in Marion and Horry counties.
"I-73 would destroy farmland, forest areas, streams, and wetlands, and fragment valuable wildlife habitat, including an important corridor for black bears," the lawsuit claims.
(Excerpt) Read more at postandcourier.com ...
I remember when I first heard this proposed I thought it was a dumb idea then and I still do. My initial comment was all that could come from Michigan are autos and hitmen.
Maybe some people need "taken care of" in Myrtle Beach. :-)
“I think it’s because Myrtle Beach special interests are fixated on a new interstate, which I guess they think will bring more people faster,” she said.”
... and some are opposed to moving people faster.
The last thing we need is a way to get liberals here faster.
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