Mecklenburg County now has two competing transit bills. Which prevails?
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The Blue Line light rail in NoDa. Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
After years of uncertainty over whether a single funding bill would be introduced, two proposals have emerged in the North Carolina legislature that would empower Mecklenburg County to seek a transportation sales tax.
Why it matters: If voters approve it, a 1-cent sales tax increase would generate an estimated $19.4 billion over 30 years. However, the competing bills in the House and Senate differ significantly in how the funds could be spent.
Context: Senate Bill 145 caps the amount of money spent on rail projects at 40%.
- House Bill 948, filed by Rep. Tricia Cotham, allows for more flexibility: Up to 60% of the funds could be spent on public transportation, including rail, with the remainder reserved for road projects.
The latest: At a transportation summit hosted by South Charlotte Partners on Thursday, elected officials and transit executives discussed the next steps.
- Charlotte City Council member Ed Driggs, who chairs the city's transportation committee, said the process of arriving at a final bill is ongoing. The bill will take effect with the budget, which is likely several months away from adoption, Driggs said.
- "That creates a little bit of an interesting situation for us," Driggs said. "If we want to have a referendum in November, we need to get busy."
Between the lines: In her district, Cotham represents Matthews, where town leaders and residents are frustrated with a potential 40% cap on rail, as it would make funding the full Silver Line light rail to Matthews unrealistic.
- If Cotham's version of the bill prevails, Matthews can make a stronger case with the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) to prioritize its segment of the Silver Line in funding plans, Driggs said. The MTC is the board responsible for adopting long-range public transportation plans.
The other side: Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, who also represents Matthews, says while Cotham's bill offers more "wiggle room," the Silver Line remains a sticking point for her and many of her constituents.
- "There's been a real lack of interest in exploring how we can make this plan work for everyone," Rodriguez-McDowell said. "It really fails."
- While Driggs notes that Matthews represents just 3% of the population in Mecklenburg County, Rodriguez-McDowell argues that percentage downplays how many people travel to Matthews.
The big picture: This is the closest Charlotte has gotten to advancing its transit plans after years of discussion.
- At Thursday's transit summit, speakers repeatedly referred to the plan as "generational" and a "game changer" because of the substantial revenue it would generate.
- For example, Davidson — a town with a $20-million budget — would receive $3.2 million in the first year for its roads.
Yes, but: There's still a real probability the bill could stall in the General Assembly, or voters could reject the referendum, especially with unresolved debate over the Silver Line.
- "I want to sing 'Kumbaya' with everyone, but I just can't get on the same song sheet with y'all right now," Rodriguez-McDowell said.
- Driggs said the idea of "just not doing this" is terrifying.
What's next: If the tax passes, money will start to flow in the middle of next year, Driggs said. Road improvements would begin soon after, while larger endeavors, such as the Red Line commuter rail, would be constructed over a 30-year period.
Go deeper: Charlotte's 4 rail lines, what's built and what's coming