BENNETTSVILLE, SC (WMBF) The blue bus is making a tour across the Pee Dee. Community leaders are hosting public meetings about a proposed highway, but some unanswered questions are creating concerns for people in the Pee Dee.
Some people who attended the I-73 public meeting on Thursday night in Bennettsville, say they are concerned about what they will have to give up to gain access to the proposed highway. Others are just frustrated with the lack of answers about when I-73 is going to happen.
"It's not going to happen next year, or the year after that, or the year after that and it's a long slow process," said Gary Loftus of Coastal Carolina University.
Loftus attended the meeting as a speaker, giving a presentation about the economic impact the new highway will bring to Marlboro County.
Some people living in Marlboro County say that long, slow process has them fed up.
"It's frustrating for me, but not as nearly as frustrating as it is for people who are personally impacted - whose homes and farms may be impacted and they have no idea what the future holds for them. I think it's terrible, it's frustrating and unfair," said Ellareese Hinson of Bennettsville.
I-73 supporters say some people have to give a little to gain access to a highway, but with a fair payback.
"Interstate's also bring about change. It involves taking private property to construct a new roadway and when that's done, the state has an obligation to pay fair market value to that landowner for their property," said Doug Jennings who is a former member of the NESA I-73 Association.
Thursday night, members of the 'I-73 for South Carolina' organization focused on the benefits of the proposed highway and the positive impacts it will have for Marlboro County.
Like the creation of more than 25,000 jobs, more interest for economic growth and less congestion on the roadways.
But some people say they've heard this all before.
"I didn't learn anything I haven't already heard before, so for that reason I'm not sure how worthwhile they are," said Hinson.
Although some people remain on the fence about the project, other's became supportive after the public meeting - picking up shirts, pins and car decals to show their approval.
"This project is one that while it's been around a long time, it is one that needs public support and elected officials support for many years to come," said Jennings.
State representatives that support the project say the state legislatures approve, but don't provide full funding for the new interstate.
They say it's going to take some time to get the funding needed to start the I-73 project.
The next 'I-73 for South Carolina' meeting is scheduled for Friday in Marion County.
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