Washington, DC, February 13, 2002 -- Congressman Henry Brown announced today that the long awaited FY 2003 spending bill has been approved by the US House of Representatives. The bill now goes to the Senate for approval and then to President Bush. No changes to the bill are expected and President Bush has indicated he will sign the $397 billion measure.

Among the transportation projects to receive funding in this bill is the South Carolina portion of I-73. The bill earmarks $3 million to begin the process of constructing the Interstate that will terminate in Myrtle Beach.

Congressman Brown stated, “I’m pleased that this bill was finally passed and that we were able to direct some needed revenues to transportation projects in Horry Country and throughout the First District. In particular, I’m grateful that I-73 was able to obtain some funding. While there is a long way to go for this project to come to fruition, this $3 million will allow the project to begin in earnest.” Brown continued, “The next step is to have I-73 authorized in the transportation reauthorization bill and secure more funding in FY 2004.”

It was also announced that the Myrtle Beach Regional Multimodal Transit Center received $1.125 million. Brown commented, “This center is desperately needed as Myrtle Beach attempts to operate a successful mass transit system to ease traffic congestion in the area. This funding will go a long way toward helping us accomplish that goal.”

Additional funding announcements will be made as provisions within the conference report become available.

Congressman Brown represents the First District of South Carolina, which includes all, or portions of, Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, Georgetown and Horry counties.