Category Archives: State Politics
WI77 evaluates the candidates on the I77 toll issue
WI77 was formed in Fall 2012, and was the first formal opposition to the toll project. Six years later, the toll issue remains as relevant and important as ever. We offer our unique, singularly qualified perspective on candidates’ efforts and stance on the toll issue. We are a non-partisan organization, and therefore do not endorse
Contract Cancellation Efforts Hamstrung by Legislation
The good news is NCDOT is working with us to solve the I77 toll issue. The bad news is that’s the only good news. I77 Advisory Group Meeting Yesterday Transportation Secretary Trogdon presented the results of NCDOT’s analysis on several termination/modification scenarios. Here’s a summary: The important number on this chart is not cost, but
Senate & House can’t agree on toll funding solution
When a bill unanimously passes the House and then unanimously passes the Senate, it should become law, right?
NC House unanimously votes for I77 cancellation fund amendment
In a stunning development, the NC House today approved an I77 reserve fund in a unanimous 113-0 vote.
The Legislature, the Budget, and I-77 Tolls
Is there a way to fund contract cancellation costs and get approval from the legislature? Possibly, but like everything with this project, it won’t be easy. Background Transportation projects are scored and ranked under a process called the Strategic Transportation Initiative (STI). Those that score high enough receive funding. If STI funds were used to
NC Legislature: No Toll Cancellation Without Our Permission
If you were going to terminate an employee, would you tell them 60 days before you actually did it? Would you change who could actually terminate that employee? That’s what’s in a bill now circulating the halls on Jones Street. Tucked way back on page 180 of a “technical corrections” bill (basically a catch-all bill
WI77 Candidate Survey
Earlier this month, Widen I-77 emailed candidates a brief survey to educate voters on the candidates position regarding the I77 toll project. Below are the results. A couple of observations: 1) None of the NC North Mecklenburg candidates responded 2) One Iredell candidate (Vickie Sawyer) responded 3) About half of the Mecklenburg At-Large Commissioner candidates
WI77 Town Hall Thurs July 20
For the first time in nearly a year and a half, Widen I77 will be hosting a town hall meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to debrief the preliminary report given by Mercator, the consultant hired by NCDOT to analyze exit options. Mercator will be giving their preliminary report on Wednesday, July 19 at
Cooper Appoints Pro-Toll Transpo Secretary
One of the things about a new administration is that it promises a fresh start. New faces, new beginnings. Unfortunately that may not be the case with Governor Cooper’s new Secretary of Transportation. Yesterday Cooper announced he had appointed Jim Trogdon as the new Secretary of Transportation. While Trogdon may be new to the position,
House Cancellation Bill Passes Committees; Floor Vote Next
Today marked the first legislative steps toward cancelling the toll contract. This morning the House Transportation Committee voted to “report favorable” on HB954, the toll cancellation bill. It was then sent to the Appropriations Committee and this afternoon they voted to send the bill to the House floor for a vote. So the bill stands
