MBACC Leaders Optimistic About Path Forward

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) considers I-73 its number one legislative priority overall, and two new surveys indicate there is great support for I-73 in Horry County.

“We are pleased by the results of two recent surveys that confirm a great depth of support among businesses and residents of Horry County,” said Karen Riordan, president and CEO of the MBACC. “We believe that a successful funding path for I-73 can be found if everyone remains committed and engaged in the interest of supporting the effort.”

A survey of MBACC business members from Little River to Pawleys Island and west of the Intracoastal Waterway shows support for I-73 is at 88.7% in favor. Further, 91% of these members believe that I-73 would help shorten evacuation times in the event of a natural disaster or hurricane.

The Trafalgar Group, which is known for accuracy in public polling, conducted a separate countywide survey of the general community that indicates overall support is 74.6%. Additionally, the survey finds that 72.4% of countywide respondents believe that I-73 will help increase economic development opportunities in Horry County.

“The support of 74.6 percent of all the voters surveyed and 88.71 percent of the chamber business membership confirms what so many in our community have shared with me since I joined the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber: We need Interstate 73,” Riordan said. “The chamber remains committed to working with our investor-members, elected officials and local residents to support this effort.”

The countywide survey was conducted in May 2019 by the Trafalgar Group on behalf of the MBACC. The results come from 1,774 respondents in unincorporated Horry County, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and Conway. The margin of error on this survey is +/-2.31%.

The Trafalgar Group gained notoriety in the 2016 election as one of the only polling groups to accurately predict a Donald Trump presidency. They were also commended for their accuracy in several 2018 Senate races. The Horry County Trafalgar Group survey was conducted using unrestricted (private) funding. No taxpayer dollars were used for the survey.