2/7/06-A bill that would make South Carolina’s newest interstate highway a toll road has been signed into law by Gov. Mark Sanford.
The new law, previously H4422, would allow the South Carolina Department of Transportation to impose and collect tolls to build Interstate 73 across the northeastern corner of the state.
Tolls will cover the planning, construction, operations and other costs of the road until the expenses are recovered. The amount of tolls and number of toll booths will be determined by the transportation department.
The southern stretch of I-73 will connect the Conway Bypass to Interstate 95. The northern section will stretch from I-95 to the North Carolina line near Rockingham, NC.

1/31/06-The Senate voted Jan. 26 to approve a bill that would pay for work on Interstate 73 with tolls.
H4422 would allow the South Carolina Department of Transportation to impose and collect tolls on I-73 to cover the planning, construction, operations and other costs until it recovers what it spent on the project.
The bill must gain final approval in the House before heading to Gov. Mark Sanford’s desk.
For bill status, call (803) 734-2010.

1/24/06-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would pay for work on Interstate 73 with tolls.
Senate Democrats Brad Hutto of Orangeburg and John Matthews of Bowman want to add a provision to the bill that would place toll booths on Interstate 95 to help pay for upgrades on the road. Until the language is added, Hutto put a block on the bill.
Another lawmaker, Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, wants the I-95 proposal handled separately. In response, he also blocked the bill.
As a result, the measure, which previously swept through the House, has been stalled indefinitely.
South Carolina rules allow a legislator to block consideration of a bill indefinitely, unless a two-thirds majority forces the measure to a vote.
The original bill – H4422 – would pay for work on I-73 through the Pee Dee to Myrtle Beach by using bonds. The amount of tolls and number of toll booths would be determined by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
For bill status, call (803) 734-2010.