NC Road Projects Need Creative Funding

More than 100 road projects in North Carolina may be stalled without federal funding.

Across the state, road construction crews are busy tearing down old bridges, widening highways and improving communities infrastructure. But according to state Transportation Secretary Anthony Tata, some of these projects are at risk because of a federal fiscal cliff. On Tuesday, June 10, Secretary Tata spoke at a luncheon at the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro. He told business and civic leaders that in August, states will no longer get money from the Federal Highway Trust Fund for their road projects and
it will hurt North Carolina.

"It's 108 projects, 20,000 jobs, a billion dollars that's at risk right now if the federal government does not reauthorize surface transportation law,” said Secretary Tata. He also told the audience he has met with North Carolina legislators on Capitol Hill and explained what's at stake.

Greensboro Partnership hosted the luncheon. President Pat Danahy says despite funding complications, Greensboro's current projects are on track. The loop around the city made up of I-40, I-85 and I-73/I-74. It's expected to be completed in 2021. The list also includes the 220 connector, which Danahy believes will enable the city to attract more aviation companies. “The area from Rockingham County to the Piedmont Triad International Airport, across the airport and the bridge there that connects property that the airport now owns to the runway," explains Danahy. "It gives us space and site for aviation assembly that we've not had.”

According to NC Transportation Secretary Tata, statewide there are 3,100 road projects. But he says the state doesn't have enough money to do them all. As a result, 371 have been selected to be completed over the next 10 years. 

Tata could not confirm if Winston-Salem's Northern Beltway is in this group. Although he says in December, regional funding will be announced for another set of road projects. He anticipates Winston-Salem's beltway will receive some funding at that time.