The Charlotte business community applauds the forward-thinking legislation filed today in the North Carolina General Assembly, continuing critical momentum to expand Mecklenburg County’s transportation system. House Bill 948, The P.A.V.E. Act, filed by Rep. Tricia Cotham (R-Mecklenburg) in the North Carolina House of Representatives today would allow voters in Mecklenburg County to support smart investments that would shape a brighter future for the city, county, and every town in Mecklenburg.
Legislators in the House and Senate have now stepped up to lead this effort, with Rep. Tricia Cotham joining Senators Bill Rabon, David Craven, and Vickie Sawyer who filed similar legislation in the Senate in February. We appreciate their leadership and their continued support for the business community.
“We’re committed to working with lawmakers in both the North Carolina Senate and House to move this plan forward, and we’re grateful to Rep. Cotham for her bold leadership for our region,” CELC Chair Eugene Woods said. “By collaborating with lawmakers and leaders from the city, county, and each town in Mecklenburg County, we are ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping the future of our transportation system. It’s a true reflection of the collaborative, inclusive process that will shape the future of our state.”
More than 117 people move to the Charlotte Region every day and the growth is expected to continue to skyrocket. The region’s population is expected to grow nearly 50% by 2050. This legislation will allow the people of Mecklenburg an opportunity to Vote Yes for greater investments in the region’s roads, transit, and bus system, ensuring the region maintains an outstanding quality of life. Having a transportation system that meets the needs of our growing population and ensures we remain attractive for businesses to grow and relocate here is critical to our sustained economic vitality.
“Our city, county and each and every town will have a seat at the table as we plan for future growth, and all who live, work and visit here will reap the benefits of these transportation investments,” CLT Alliance Board Chair David Longo said. “Commuters will have more choices, drivers will have better roads and less congestion, students will have safer ways to get to school, and all will have more choices and better access to jobs, education, health care and more. Future-focused investments will provide better mobility choices for everyone who calls this region home now, and for generations to come. Thank you to Rep. Cotham for taking this great step forward for the entire county.”
