S.C. Rep. Ralph Norman encouraging lawmakers to oppose I-526 extension

York County lawmakers are speaking out against the proposed extension of Interstate 526 in the Lowcountry — and the estimated 150-million dollar price tag for the eight-mile highway.

State Representative Ralph Norman of Rock Hill said Tuesday he and the of the York County Delegation are not pleased the proposed road would tie up an estimated 20 years of state infrastructure bank funding.

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The State Department of Transportation is set to meet Wednesday morning to vote on the plan to add to 420-million dollars already committed to the project — 30 percent of the state infrastructure bank’s total expenditures despite the Lowcountry only making up 14 percent of the state’s population and 17 percent of total revenue.

Norman says the DOT is forgetting the rest of the state.

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Norman says he’s encouraging legislators across the state and the Chambers of Commerce to oppose the deal. Norman says the 526 project only benefits one county and leaves roads for the other 45 counties in South Carolina in severe jeopardy.