Senators file Mecklenburg County transit bill
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Three North Carolina legislators have officially introduced a bill for Mecklenburg County to put a 1-cent sales tax increase on the 2025 election ballot.
Why it matters: This is the furthest Charlotte has gotten in making its transit dreams a reality in five years and marks a significant milestone.
Context: If passed, the bill would allow Mecklenburg County to put a referendum on the 2025 election ballot, asking voters to approve a 1-cent sales tax increase to fund road and transportation projects.
- It would generate $19.4 billion over 30 years, with a 40% cap on rail.
The sponsors of Senate Bill 145 are Republican Senators Bill Rabon, David Craven and Vickie Sawyer.
- Sawyer represents part north of Mecklenburg County, where the Red Line commuter rail would be built. She chairs the Senate Transportation Committee.
- Rabon serves Brunswick, Columbus and New Hanover counties.
- Craven represents Anson, Montgomery, Randolph, Richmond and Union counties.
What they're saying: Charlotte Regional Business Alliance released a statement endorsing the bill.
- "This region is at a remarkable inflection point. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our future," David Longo, board chair, said. "Thank you to the lawmakers who understand what is at stake and are working toward ensuring a better future for us all."
Yes, but: Sawyer recently said the bill is "a long way from being palatable to have enough votes to even get to the floor."
Go deeper: Charlotte's 4 rail lines, what's built and what's coming
- How Charlotte could spend its $19.4 billion in transit sales tax revenue
- The long road ahead in 2025 for making Charlotte's transit dreams a reality
- Why CATS is moving forward with the $845M Gold Line streetcar extension
- The transit tax would transform the experience of riding a Charlotte bus
- Everything to know about the Red Line