In an effort to overhaul Charlotte’s public transportation system, a new transit authority is on the brink of establishment, one that would see its board members appointed by Republican lawmakers and the governor. This authority is poised to replace the current Charlotte Area Transit System, and aligns with a broader strategy that could lead to a one-cent sales tax increase, subject to the endorsement of Mecklenburg voters, aimed at funding a significantly expensive transportation plan, , as reported by WFAE.
The particulars of the draft bill, which reached the hands through a public records request, outline that 40 percent of the projected sales tax boost would be earmarked for road improvements, while the remainder would bolster the new transit authority with certain curbs on rail transit funding, ensuring that no more than two-thirds of the funds can be channeled into train services, WFAE explains this could mean there will not be sufficient monies of funding to bring to fruition to fruition all of the intended rail proposals, with the city having already informed Matthews that it would instead be forging a designated bus lane over the planned Silver Line light rail due to financial constraints.
Concurrently, a select few towns in North Carolina grapple with a looming utility emergency, as the state's budget gridlock results in some towns missing out on critical water and sewer infrastructure funds, a circumstance highlighted by WUNC and BPR. Despite North Carolina lawmakers allocating roughly $2 billion last year to address these issues statewide, towns like Milton are faced with the harsh reality of exclusion, being forced to contend with a decaying infrastructure and the ever-present risk of environmental contamination within their reserves.
"The water and sewer situation in Milton is on the edge of a crisis," stated N.C. Sen. Graig Meyer, whose representation includes the town, during his discussions with local leaders to resolve the issue, revealing a dire need for approximately $7 million in funds to avert an imminent breakdown of the system, which currently sustains itself on outdated and ill-maintained pumps, as reported by BPR.
