The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance supports the North Carolina House Transportation Committee, which voted today to propel House Bill 948, The Projects for Advancing Vehicle-Infrastructure Enhancements (P.A.V.E.) Act, forward.
Rep. Tricia Cotham (R-Mecklenburg) filed the P.A.V.E. Act in the North Carolina House of Representatives in April. The bill 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.
In a hearing today, a key vote by the N.C. House Transportation Committee puts the bill a step closer to getting on the ballot for Mecklenburg County voters in November. Several members of the business community traveled with CLT Alliance Chair David Longo and CLT Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer Robert McCutcheon to personally advocate for the bill and testify in committee. The bill includes a 40% cap on rail spending, a 40% cap on road spending, and a 20% cap on bus spending for the new revenue generated.
“This morning, the North Carolina House Transportation Committee considered the P.A.V.E. Act and voted favorably to move it forward,” McCutcheon said. “The P.A.V.E. Act gives Mecklenburg voters the opportunity to approve bold transportation solutions for their region, ensuring that the demands of future growth will not outpace capacity. We’re grateful to leaders in Raleigh, including Tricia Cotham, who are making a path forward for transportation in Mecklenburg County.”
More than 117 people move to the Charlotte Region every day and the growth is expected to continue skyrocketing. By 2050, the region’s population is expected to increase by nearly 50%. This legislation will lead to a transportation system that meets the needs of our growing population and ensures we remain attractive for businesses to grow and relocate here, which is critical to our sustained economic vitality.
For more information about how the CLT Alliance Advocacy team is engaging on transportation, continue reading here.
