| The environmental assessment phase of the proposed Connector across Northern Lake Marion has concluded with the finding of no adverse impact to the environment or threat to wildlife in the area. The final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) reflected the selection of a route that will improve nearly seven miles of existing roads in Calhoun and Sumter counties and span Lake Marion with a 2.8-mile bridge that will run adjacent to the existing railroad trestle on the northern side.
When this process began, I made it clear that I would not support the project if the EIS found any significant adverse impact to the environment. Subsequently the most comprehensive assessment possible was undertaken. In addition to finding that the environment would continue to survive and thrive, the EIS validates the conclusions of two previous environmental studies, and two earlier economic and social impact studies.
Although reasonable environmentalists would applaud these findings, if you have followed this controversy closely, you realize that reasonableness is not a virtue of the opponents of this Connector. These pseudo "environmentalists" abandoned their argument on behalf of the lake and its wildlife long ago. They have thrown honesty and good faith to the wind and have lost all credibility with those who are working to safeguard our environment, and improve the quality of life in our state's rural communities.
The web sites of many opponents are replete with racially charged rhetoric, character assassinations, and sophomoric arguments. Consider this recent posting by the Treasurer of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. "I have the distinct pleasure of passing by Rep. Clyburn's office on Gervais Street every day. And nearly every day there are cars out front with the Clyburn bumper sticker. Most of the time I see Cadillacs. This morning there was a . . . Porsche Boxster. . . . it really gets to me that these people that are suppose to be 'giving' their time for the betterment of the state are spending their $'s in such ways."
He continues, "I would be a lot happier if I knew Clyburn's personal vehicle was a big Crown Vic. Do you suppose that they will use Clyburn's bridge as a straight track for Porches?"
What does the kind of car I drive or that's driven by members of my staff or visitors to my office have to do with the environment? Could this be an example of the oft-stated belief that infrastructure improvements in predominantly African American communities are wasteful?
Whatever it is, it certainly is not isolated. The South Carolina Coastal Conservation League has argued as fervently against my efforts to bring safe drinking water to two black communities in rural Berkeley County who have fecal and mineral contaminated wells. They argue it will make the area attractive to developers and create "sprawl." But in a meeting where no reporters were present, their representative blatantly stated that "those people have been drinking that water for 200 years and they seem to be doing okay." This same group, whose stated mission is to protect the coastal environment offered to drop its lawsuit against a project in a majority white area of the Low Country in exchange for help against this project, which will potentially benefit a number of majority black communities.
It is time to call a duck a duck. Issues of race prevented this bridge from being realized for more than 50 years. Although the euphemisms are different today, the reality remains the same. But our past does not have to be our future. The studies are done and the evidence is in. This Connector is a positive.
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U.S. Congressman 
