Committee Report

January 25, 2024

H. 4863

Introduced by Reps. Anderson and Hewitt

S. Printed 01/25/24--H.

Read the first time January 17, 2024

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The committee on House Invitations and Memorial Resolutions

To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (H. 4863) to request the Department of Transportation name the portion of Exodus Drive in Georgetown County (South Carolina Highway #S-264), beginning with its intersection, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

DENNIS MOSS for Committee.

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A concurrent RESOLUTION

to request the Department of Transportation name the portion of Exodus Drive in Georgetown County (South Carolina Highway #S-264), beginning with its intersection at North Fraser Street (United States Highway 701), spanning approximately 7.97 miles, and ending at a second intersection with United States Highway 701 "Johnny Morant Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs along this portion of highway containing these words.

Whereas, the Honorable Johnny Morant was born on December 5, 1950, and passed away on July 12, 2020;

Whereas, a devoted member of Mt. Carmel United Baptist Church, he leaves to cherish his memory his wife Janice, their two children, Johnny Morant, Jr., and Nedra Morant, and a host of other relatives and friends; and

Whereas, Johnny Morant made distinct contributions toward the economic development of Georgetown County, and is recognized as one of Georgetown County's strongest advocates; and

Whereas, first elected to Georgetown County Council in 1993, he served as chairman from 2008 until 2018; and

Whereas, he earned his bachelor of science degree from Savannah State University and his law degree from the University of Illinois. He was a partner at the law firm Morant and Morant, LLC, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and

Whereas, throughout his tenure on Georgetown County Council, Johnny Morant worked diligently to ensure the enhancement and provision of county services, and through his efforts, significant progress was made. He was instrumental in the development of a long-term strategic plan which incorporated citizens groups in addressing dire infrastructure needs within Georgetown County; and

Whereas, this strategic plan spanned twenty years. The plan included: the design and construction of the Georgetown County Judicial Center, an 80,000 square foot modern complex to address courtroom space and security issues; a multistory "crown jewel" airport terminal building, replacing a previous terminal constructed in 1978, as well as airport runway expansions to accommodate corporate jet craft previously unable to utilize Georgetown's airport; the purchase of property and design of the Carroll Ashmore Campbell Marine Complex, which would ultimately bring several national fishing tournaments to Georgetown County; state-of-the-art regional recreation facilities; the erection of three modern library facilities on the Waccamaw Neck, Carvers Bay, and in the Sampit-Santee area; the addition of numerous Fire/EMS stations throughout Georgetown County, including construction of new headquarters facilities for both county fire districts; and an advanced E9U/Emergency Operations Center; and

Whereas, Johnny Morant was held in highest esteem by his peers, exhibiting high standards and professionalism, such that he served as chairman and/or vice chairman of Georgetown County Council for twenty-two of his twenty-five years as a member of Georgetown County Council. During this timeframe, he worked with multiple colleagues and numerous representatives of each council district, all of which casted their individual vote of confidence to elect him to these positions of trust; and

Whereas, every citizen of Georgetown County has directly benefitted from the contributions of Johnny Morant. He exemplified the strength held by pillars of any community, and a guidepost for those who followed; and

Whereas it would be fitting and proper to honor this rich legacy of service by having a portion of highway in Georgetown County named in his honor. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request the Department of Transportation name the portion of Exodus Drive in Georgetown County (South Carolina Highway #S-264), beginning with its intersection at North Fraser Street (United States Highway 701), spanning approximately 7.97 miles, and ending at a second intersection with United States Highway 701 "Johnny Morant Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs along this portion of highway containing these words.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.

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