Mecklenburg transportation tax bill advances in Senate
Why it matters: Now we're cooking with gas.
Earlier this year, when leaders discussed Charlotte's chances of getting a 1-cent transportation sales tax, they said things like it was "a tough sell" and "a long way from being palatable."
But now it seems the bill to hold a referendum, which could help Mecklenburg County generate billions for new infrastructure, is on its way to becoming law.
Catch up quick: Wednesday's Senate vote was 41-4, and the House overwhelmingly supported Rep. Tricia Cotham's bill earlier this month.
What's next: The final Senate vote on the P.A.V.E. Act is slated for Thursday, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. The bill will then go back to the House for a concurrence vote before heading to the governor's desk.
What's inside: The legislation would authorize the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners to put the 1-cent sales tax referendum on the November election ballot.
If passed, 60% of the funding would go to a transportation authority for transit projects, and 40% would go to municipalities for roads, including bike lanes and lighting.
What they're saying: Members of the Mecklenburg County delegation advocated for the bill on the Senate floor, stressing the region's evolving demands amid fast population growth.
"We are experiencing longer commutes, more car accidents, higher car insurance premiums, more pedestrian-related accidents and less revenue to address our crumbling critical infrastructure," Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed said.
"We have a whole lot more traffic coming into Charlotte every day," Sen. Joyce Waddell said. "— it's unbelievable."
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