If approved by voters, the new funding would be split across key transportation priorities, such as the rail expansion.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ A bill to place a one-cent sales tax for transit projectsย on the Mecklenburg County ballot moved rapidly through the North Carolina General Assembly on Wednesday, passing its first two readings in the Senate within hours.
The Rules Committee approved the measure early Wednesday morning, and the full Senate passed it just hours later. Final Senate approval is scheduled for Thursday.
Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Republican from Mecklenburg County,ย introduced House Bill 948 โ also known as the P.A.V.E. Act. If approved by voters, the new funding would be split across key transportation priorities, such as the Red Line rail expansion: 40% would go directly to municipalities, while 60% would go toward creating a new transit authority with both local and state leaders.
Senators expressed support for the concept but raised concerns about accountability and the impact on state transportation projects.
“It might allow them to be a little bit more of an independent agent and less reliant on state funds for transportation that could be better spent in other places,” Sen. Warren Daniel, a Republican from Buncombe County, said during committee discussion.ย
More Senators from other areas, including Buncombe and Forsyth counties, expressed interest in creating similar legislation. If successful, the Mecklenburg bill could serve as a model for other regions across the state.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles praised the bill’s progress in a statement:
“Itโs encouraging to see the P.A.V.E. Act moving through the General Assembly and I want to thank everyone who helped us get to this point. This is another important milestone as we get closer to giving the people of Mecklenburg County the opportunity to make critical investments in transit and transportation to reduce congestion, stimulate economic opportunity and create a better quality of life.”
After Thursday’s vote, the bill will return to the House before heading to the governor’s desk. If approved, Mecklenburg County voters could see the measure on the ballot as soon as November.
Contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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