Council scrutinizes I-77 repayment as deadline looms
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I-77 from Remount Road. Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
Charlotte leaders are questioning the legality and constitutionality of the new law that could require a $64 million to $80 million repayment to the state transportation department if the city continues blocking the I-77 South widening.
Why it matters: The provision, tucked into the state budget in July, triggered a 60-day clock for city leaders to either renew support for the controversial toll lanes or fork up millions in taxpayer dollars.
The latest: Monday night's transportation committee meeting was the first time council members have discussed the issue formally.
- The city attorney said she does not believe the city could use sales tax money from the newly passed referendum — an option some have floated.
- No action was taken Monday night. City staff only presented information. They said the city could pursue an independent analysis of alternatives to I-77, but consultants would need three to five months.
What they're saying: "I'm not sure we can do a whole lot in six weeks that will be respected and accepted by the community," said council member Malcolm Graham. "So, I hope that the governor is listening."
- Some local leaders are calling on Democratic Gov. Josh Stein to step in. While Stein has said he disagrees with the payback mechanism, he still signed the state budget into law.
Catch up quick: NCDOT has been meeting with select community leaders recently to try to sway support and has even offered "up to" $300 million in community investments if the project moves forward, such as building recreational amenities or even a grocery store (or two) on the west side.
- Council member Victoria Watlington asked that city staff ensure NCDOT's expenses for hosting these I-77-related meetings "are not being added to our tab."
- And council member LaWana Mayfield suggested "up to" could also mean a lot less.
Zoom out: Some council members are pointing at Gaston County and questioning why I-85 is being widened without tolls. WFAE reported that NCDOT has split the I-85 widening into three projects to stay below a spending cap for a single highway corridor.
What's next: Council expects to have a full, in-depth discussion at a later date. It could vote by Sept. 14, the last scheduled meeting before the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization's Sept. 23 vote, to reconsider its support for the project.
- As the largest city in the region, Charlotte's vote carries the most weight and is influential to CRTPO's decision.
Council member Renee Johnson says she wants a special meeting to pack the chamber and disprove the narrative that it's just "a few" against this project.
- "The people have spoken," Johnson said. "This meeting is simply because we're being penalized for representing the people."
Go deeper: The company behind I-77 tolls already touted project to shareholders