(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – House Speaker Murrell Smith (District 67- Sumter) joined Governor Henry McMaster, South Carolina Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall, and other state leaders to celebrate the kickoff of the accelerated construction project to widen 70 miles of I-26 between Charleston and Columbia. This project, and its accelerated status, is a result of this year’s historic budget package, which appropriated over $1 billion for South Carolina’s roads. With the substantial investment of state funds in the budget, the state was able to maximize its opportunity to receive considerable federal funds. Because of that foresight from leadership and through the appropriations process, the project is expected to be accelerated by six years. House Speaker Murrell Smith made the following statement regarding this morning’s celebration:
“Important infrastructure projects, like the one celebrated today, will drive the continuation of unprecedented economic success South Carolina has been experiencing in recent years. Today’s progress marks success through intentional appropriation and a commitment to partnership, and our state will continue to reap the rewards for years to come. I look forward to seeing many more projects like this one – because a win with our roads is a win for our state.”