‘Completely transformed’: The new Carolina Panthers exit off I-77 gets federal money.
An almost $35 million infusion for I-77 will bring the Carolina Panthers headquarters plans closer than they’ve ever been.
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman issued a statement Monday after the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $34.6 million in funding awarded to the South Carolina Department of Transportation for a new interchange on I-77. The exit is near mile marker 81, beside where the Panthers plan a headquarters and training site.
“I could not be happier to see the Carolina Panthers moving their headquarters and practice facilities across the state line into South Carolina,” Norman said in a statement. “The new Exit 81 interchange off I-77 will help make that a reality, and it won’t be long before this part of York County is completely transformed with new businesses, new homes, new jobs and new families.”
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham said in a statement that the interchange will encourage economic development in the city and promote safety in the area by addressing the increase in traffic.
“This will be a game changer for the economy in the York County region,” he said in the statement. “I look forward to making the project a reality.”
The new interchange has been part of the Panthers discussion with road planners for about as long as the headquarters plan itself. Plans show large loops off both sides of the interstate with connection through the Panthers site toward the Mt. Gallant Road area. The team has committed to several other public road improvements in and around its site.
“When we can count on our federal partners to join Team South Carolina in our economic development efforts, it shows the world that our state has what it takes to deliver results for South Carolinians,” said Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement.
A decision on the Panthers interchange now could focus attention on other congested areas of I-77, like its S.C. 160 and Celanese Road interchanges in Fort Mill and Rock Hill. Both have been listed as major spots of regional concern by the Rock Hill-Fort Mill Area Transportation Study, a multi-jurisdictional group that allocates federal money for roads.
The Panthers will continue to play games at the Charlotte stadium. Team operations and practices will move to South Carolina in 2022.
Check back for updates.
This story was originally published June 15, 2020 at 4:20 PM with the headline "‘Completely transformed’: The new Carolina Panthers exit off I-77 gets federal money.."
