GCAA Supports I-77 South Express Lanes Project

GCAA Supports I-77 South Express Lanes Project

Following multiple discussions within the Government Affairs Committee and feedback from GCAA’s developer members, the Committee voted to recommend that GCAA submit a letter supporting the I-77 South Express Lanes project.

The GCAA Board of Directors unanimously approved the Committee’s recommendation. GCAA subsequently submitted the letter to the Charlotte City Council and Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners ahead of the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization’s upcoming vote.

GCAA’s Position

GCAA supports moving forward with the I-77 South Express Lanes project because there are currently no funded alternatives available to address the corridor’s growing congestion and mobility needs. While we recognize the concerns surrounding the project, abandoning the current plan without a viable and funded alternative could leave the region without meaningful improvements to this critical transportation corridor for years to come.

Read GCAA’s letter supporting the I-77 South Express Lanes project

Charlotte City Council Update

Charlotte City Council discussed the project and its financial implications during its September 14 meeting:

• City staff advised Council that Charlotte could be required to reimburse NCDOT for costs already incurred if the project does not move forward. The city’s estimated obligation is currently between $59 million and $69 million.

• Charlotte’s chief financial officer indicated that paying this obligation could require the equivalent of approximately a one-cent increase in the city’s property-tax rate.

• Several Council members criticized the state’s repayment requirement and questioned its legality and fairness.

• The city attorney said Charlotte is exploring available legal remedies. However, a potential legal challenge does not eliminate the immediate financial decision facing Council.

• Council did not take a formal vote during the meeting and is expected to revisit the issue before CRTPO’s September 23 vote.

• NCDOT has also offered up to $300 million in potential community benefits if the project moves forward.

GCAA will continue monitoring the upcoming City Council and CRTPO discussions and provide additional updates as decisions are made.