Alternate version of Mecklenburg County transit bill could revive Silver Line to Matthews
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The Blue Line light rail stops in Charlotte's NoDa neighborhood. Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
State Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Republican, filed an alternate version of Mecklenburg County's transit bill Thursday that would allow more money to be spent on rail projects — such as the Silver Line light rail.
Why it matters: House Bill 948, or The P.A.V.E. Act, proposes that 40% of the revenue from a 1-cent sales tax increase would go toward roads and 60% would fund public transit projects.
- That's different from a Senate bill filed in February, which would cap rail spending at 40%. The plan would not generate enough money to afford all of Charlotte's long-desired rail projects. The eastern portion of the Silver Line light rail was most likely to be cut and replaced with bus rapid transit.
- Cotham represents Matthews in her district.
Catch up quick: Mecklenburg County is seeking the Legislature's approval for a 2025 referendum asking voters to approve the tax hike. If passed, the increase would generate $19.4 billion over 30 years for road and transportation projects.
What's inside: In an email to the Mecklenburg County House members, Cotham highlighted several other differences in her bill from the Senate version:
- It calls for a value-engineering study of the Silver Line East as light rail, including exploring other funding sources.
- It mandates the city and county to include a small business owner in each body's appointments to a new transit authority.
- It requires that the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance appoint two board members to represent business interests and the Foundation for the Carolinas appoint one.
- It prohibits elected officials and lobbyists from serving on the transit board.
What they're saying: In a joint press release, the managers of Mecklenburg County, the city of Charlotte and the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mint Hill and Pineville applauded Cotham.
- The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance also endorsed the filing.
- "The great thing about HB948 is that it benefits the entire Charlotte region; no one is left out," the Real Estate & Building Industry Coalition wrote on X. "All towns are involved and will reap the benefits of the plan."
Go deeper: Charlotte's 4 rail lines, what's built and what's coming