Representatives of the North Eastern Strategic Alliance, an economic development organization representing South Carolina’s northeast region, joined state leaders in Washington to promote efforts to secure federal stimulus funding for a proposed I-73 corridor.

Officially named the “Interchange of Hope,” this corridor will provide a highway linking Myrtle Beach with Interstate 95.

“I-73 is the largest economic development project in South Carolina history and has the ability to make traveling to some of our most visited tourist destinations safer and more efficient,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said in a statement.

“Our organization will continue to steadfastly work to secure funding for the I-73 interchange until we’ve made this vital project come to fruition,” said NESA executive director Jeff McKay.