North Coast Newsletter: A river is no place for a road

Welcome to the April 2024 issue of the North Coast newsletter! This month we explore an iconic river of our region. We’ve highlighted this river before, but today we’re focusing on two daunting road projects that threaten its integrity if constructed. Read on to learn why this river is being named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2024 and what you can do to help protect it.

As always, we welcome your thoughts on how we can work together to enhance conservation on the North Coast. You can reach me at trapperf@scccl.org  and Becky Ryon at beckyr@scccl.org.

What is at stake: Little Pee Dee River

Passing through both North Carolina and South Carolina, this 118-mile, tea-colored river flows until it reaches the contrastingly chocolate-colored Great Pee Dee River. The Little Pee Dee is almost entirely free-flowing. It is designated as a scenic river for its “unique or outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, botanical, fish, wildlife, historic, or cultural values,” except for an unfortunate 64-mile gap in the middle, despite previous attempts to bridge this gap. Without this designation, it is left vulnerable to development pressures. Right now, the current threat is the Interstate 73 proposal that would run right through the Little Pee Dee. I-73 would destroy over 300 acres of wetlands, impact 22 miles of stream, displace rural residents who have called the area home for generations, destroy farms (including a National Bicentennial Farm), and bisect a public conservation land that is supposed to be protected forever.

These are only some of the ways the Little Pee Dee would be negatively impacted from the construction of an unnecessary highway. Beyond that, there would be loss of habitat for wildlife and rare plants, water quality issues, and additional flooding in communities that already flood. In addition to the I-73 extension, the proposed SC Highway 22 Extension (formerly known as SELL)also poses threats to the Little Pee Dee and much of western Horry County. Although the route is not finalized, the most likely path would parallel Pee Dee Highway, causing damage to natural resources and communities. This road would likely pave the way for urban sprawl in an otherwise rural section of the county. Not to mention it would – like I-73 – devastate a public conservation land set aside to be permanently protected.

All this madness is why the Little Pee Dee River is being named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers in 2024. We need to think critically about the decisions we’re making now, and stop these roads together!

How you can help

The North Coast team is feverishly working to educate the community and decision makers on why these road projects are not needed and are short-sighted. We are working to amplify the voices of impacted community members to raise concerns and show opposition to these multi-billion-dollar, devastating projects. Join us in speaking up for our communities, our conservation lands, and our tax dollars!

As proposed, Horry County plans to roll out a 25-year transportation tax with a list of approximately 30 road projects including the Hwy 22 Extension and I-73, hidden amongst popular road improvement projects. On November 5, Horry County voters will decide if a road penny sales tax should continue for a new 25-year time frame (versus our typical and traditional 8-year one) for all of the listed projects. Yet, the devil is in the details, as the community will not be allowed to vote on individual projects. This has serious implications for the entire Pee Dee Region as the impacts of these projects extend far beyond Horry County lines and will promote exponential growth outward to neighboring counties.

We need you to speak up and act! This vote will be a pivotal moment for the North Coast. Growth and development must occur, but it must be done appropriately. Cramming two interstate-grade highways into Horry County simultaneously is not responsible. We must fix our existing roads and make sure they can handle major infrastructure projects like interstate connections. We must also consider whether a 25-year transportation tax is appropriate for one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. We would be tied to these projects for 25 years with no flexibility to address unforeseen road needs. For example, Highway 90 was not a priority 25 years ago, but is today. A traditional eight-year sales tax gives us the flexibility to reassess road needs more often. Lastly, we should consider a portion of a sales tax like Dorchester, Charleston, Berkeley, and Beaufort have done to fund conservation land acquisitions to offset development prior to breaking ground. We must first find ways to make our current roads more resilient to storms, while protecting our rural working lands and communities.

Take action!

Write and call your councilmember if you live in Horry, Marion or Dillon county and request I-73 be removed from road project lists and funding allocations.And, request that Highway 22 Extension (SELL) be removed and not funded. Tell your councilmembers to prioritize funding improvements of existing roads and protections for our existing conservation lands! 

Upcoming events

Spring Tide Community Cleanup and Chowder Cook-off

Sunday, April 28, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Morse Park, 4939 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet

The 32nd Annual Spring Tide Community Clean-Up and Chowder Cook-Off is calling all community members for a day of environmental action and delicious celebration. Beginning at 10 a.m. at Morse Park Landing (next to Hot Fish Club), volunteers of all ages can roll up their sleeves and participate in a collaborative clean-up effort. Working together, they’ll collect trash and beautify shared spaces. Following the cleanup, participants can head to Hot Fish Club at noon for the Chowder Cook-Off. There, they can sample an array of delectable chowder creations from various competitors and enjoy live music and drinks. Volunteers will receive free chowder and BBQ at the Cook-Off.

Murrells Inlet Oyster Reef Build

Thursday, May 2, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Murrells Inlet Public Boat Ramp, 4139 US-17 Bus, Murrells Inlet

Do you enjoy eating the seafood in the Seafood Capital of South Carolina? Give back and join us with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ oyster team to build an oyster reef in Murrells Inlet! Find more info and register here.

Lewis Ocean Bay Nature Walk with Trapper

Friday, May 10, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserver, 2575 International Drive, Conway

Join our North Coast Project Manager and Certified Wildlife Biologist, Trapper Fowler, for a guided nature walk through Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve. Learn about the importance of South Carolina’s unique and special habitat – the Carolina bay, while also gaining insight to the threats that surround this area. Find more info and register here.

County government meetings

Horry County Planning Commission

Thursday, May 2 at 5:30 PM

Horry County Government & Justice Center, 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway

Find more information here

Georgetown County Council

Tuesday, May 14 at 5:30 PM

County Council Chambers, 129 Screven St. Georgetown, SC 29440

Find more information here

Georgetown County Planning Commission

Thursday, May 16 at 5:30 PM

County Council Chambers, 129 Screven St. Georgetown, SC 29440

Find more information here