2009 Legislative Priorities
Highway Trust Fund Transfer
Continue to phase out the transfer from the Highway Trust Fund to the General Fund over a three-year period. The time has come to use all transportation revenue for transportation purposes.
Allow the people to vote on local option financing for transit
The success of Charlotte?s ½ cent sales tax for transit has been affirmed repeatedly ? twice by voters in Mecklenburg County and by the large volumes of transit users in the area. The time has come to provide legislative authority to allow voters to decide on funding for transportation projects in the Triad, Triangle or any growing counties facing transportation challenges.
Authorize a robust transportation bond
Enact a substantial and meaningful transportation funding package to address critical bridge, traffic congestion and public transportation needs throughout the state. Investment in transportation projects creates jobs and economic opportunities.
Ongoing Legislative Goals
Establish an Intermodal and Congestion Relief Fund: This funding would provide grants to local governments to match local funds designed for public transportation and congestion relief.
Allow local option financing in several regions around the state: The success of Charlotte’s π cent sales tax for transit has been affirmed repeatedly — twice by voters in Mecklenburg County and by the large volumes of transit users in the area. The time has come to provide legislative authority for transportation projects in the Triad, Triangle or any counties facing urban growth and congestion.
Provide grants for rail and ports: To assist economic development, increase passenger rail capacity and improve and enhance intermodal capabilities, funding should be provided to shortline railroads, railroads throughout the state and the NC State Ports Authority. Expanding and enhancing our ability to move freight and passengers by rail will strengthen our economy, allow increased trade and ease truck and vehicle traffic on our highways.
End North Carolina’s status as a donor state on federal highway revenues: North Carolina only receives back about 89 percent of the money it contributes to the federal highway trust fund. Given our growing needs and transportation funding shortfall, our state and others should receive a 100 percent return on their contribution. Congress should take action to correct this situation.
Extend the State Ports Tax Credit: The credit, set to expire in 2009, encourages importers and exporters to utilize our state-owned port terminals. With international shipping to the U.S. projected to double in the next few years, North Carolina ports should be viewed as the most competitive location for businesses.
Authorize a robust transportation bond: The 21st Century Transportation Committee will provide final long-term funding recommendations to the General Assembly in December 2008. In 2009 legislators must quickly enact a substantial and meaningful transportation funding package to address critical bridge, traffic congestion and public transportation needs throughout the state.