MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Mecklenburg County leaders are one step closer to getting a funding stream for transportation projects, which will transform the landscape of our area.
A one-cent transit sales tax is in the works to fund rail, road, and bus projects across the county. Local leaders are hoping to present it to voters ahead of the November election.
“We don’t really have the means right now in the existing tax environment in Mecklenburg County and in Charlotte to make the kind of investment that’s needed to alleviate the congestion that we’re seeing on our roads,” said Charlotte City Councilman Ed Driggs.
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Driggs knows Charlotte-area drivers are facing bumper-to-bumper traffic daily. He believes an extra tax could be the key to improving roads, but also creating more options so people don’t have to drive.
The majority of county officials have come together to propose a one-cent transit sales tax, which would fund transportation improvement projects spanning decades. This would include the Red Line commuter rail, running from Uptown to the Iredell County line.
Right now, there’s a bill in the North Carolina Senate. If passed, it would allow Mecklenburg County to put this extra tax on the ballot, and voters would make the final decision on whether or not it’s approved.
“We need to work to get the public to accept that if they commit to this tax they will see that money used productively and responsibly, and they will get the kind of relief from congestion that they expect as a result,” said Driggs.
The levy would be a one-cent tax, which would show up on your bill when you purchase things in the county. While most municipalities are on board, Matthews is not.
“I think it’s understandable that Matthews is disappointed,” said Driggs. “It would be too bad to see all of that disrupted because the one partner in Mecklenburg County is disappointed.”
Matthews leaders are taking a stand against the proposal because, even though plans aren’t finalized, there likely won’t be money allocated toward bringing the light rail to the town.
Mayor John Higdon released a statement in response to the new bill.
“The Matthews Board of Commissioners has taken a strong stand against the transit proposal, as it does away with the long-planned light rail connection to our town. As Mayor, I remain committed to fighting for a plan that provides sufficient funding for Silver Line East to be built as light rail all the way to Matthews. Reliable, efficient transportation is critical for economic growth, accessibility, and quality of life, but it must be planned equitably and serve the entire region – not just select areas. I, along with the Matthews Board of Commissioners, will continue advocating for a transit plan that delivers on its commitments and provides meaningful solutions for all communities, including our own.”
County leaders also have plans to create a transit authority made up of representatives of each Mecklenburg community to oversee plans and decide what projects are a priority. This will require a separate bill from the General Assembly.
If the current bill passes, it will become effective once the state adopts a new budget this summer, but will still need voter approval to move forward.
