Mecklenburg transit ‘dream’ moves ‘to the ballot box’ after Gov. Stein signs bill (Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte’s long-awaited plan to overhaul the region’s transportation system appears poised to be on the ballot this year after making it through Raleigh. Gov. Josh Stein on Tuesday signed House Bill 948 — Republican Rep. Tricia Cotham’s bill to allow a 1-cent countywide tax referendum to address transportation needs.
One of the region’s leading environmental advocacy groups, Sustain Charlotte, applauded state leaders for “clearing the way for Mecklenburg County voters to decide whether to invest a one-cent local sales tax in a modern, equitable and sustainable transportation network. “Today is a game-changer for our region. For years we’ve dreamed of giving residents the chance to fund more frequent buses and trains, safer bike lanes, sidewalks, and safer streets for all,” Executive Director Shannon Binns said in a statement. “With Governor Stein’s signature, that dream moves from the advocacy stage to the ballot box. When Mecklenburg County prospers with better mobility, every family — no matter their ZIP code or income — gains access to opportunity, cleaner air, and a higher quality of life.”