Traffic
Work on I-77 causeway will continue
July 14. By Dave Vieser. Even though the Lake Norman Marine Commission (LNMC) tabled the NCDOT’s application concerning the I-77 toll lane project earlier this week, motorists will see work continuing on top of the causeway north of Exit 28. The operative words here are “on top,” not near or next to. “Construction activities such […]
LKN Marine Commission postpones toll lane application
July 12. By Dave Vieser. The Lake Norman Marine Commission last night tabled an application from the NCDOT regarding the I-77 toll lane project. “We’ve requested additional information and clarification from the DOT on this project,” said Executive Director Ron Shoultz. His motion was approved unanimously, meaning the next time the issue could come up […]
I-77 contract won’t survive the ‘chorus of discontent’
At the June 22, 2015 board of directors meeting, the Lake Norman Chamber joined the fight against the Cintra contract and the concept of tolling I77 at Lake Norman. I, along with many on the chamber board, admitted our earlier support of accepting tolling or nothing at all was short-sighted and a mistake. Leadership is […]
I-77 battle shifts to November elections; does Marine Commission vote matter?
June 23. By Dave Yochum. Republicans are taking stock after HB954 went down in the NC Senate earlier this week. Democrats are making the most of it and it looks like NC Rep. John Bradford may have an opponent in the fall in District 98 if her petition drive succeeds, while Rep. Charles Jeter will face a Democrat […]
Will LKN Marine Commission make waves for DOT, Cintra?
By Dave Vieser. In yet another twist in the ongoing I-77 toll lane saga, it turns out that the $650 million project needed the approval of the Lake Norman Marine Commission before it started. The commission’s approval is necessary because it crosses Lake Norman at the Iredell County line. The DOT has asked to be on […]
Lake Norman leaders gather in Capitol to refute Travis, Woods
June 15. A score of North Mecklenburg elected officials and business leaders made the 2.5 hour drive to the NC Capitol this morning to collectively voice their opposition to the 50-year, $650 million contract between a Spanish company and the citizens of North Carolina. Their goal was to offset what Cornelius Mayor Chuck Travis and […]
Davidson commissioners pass resolution criticizing Mayor
June 15. By Dave Vieser. Striking a more collegial tone than Cornelius, the Davidson Town Board nevertheless took their mayor to task Tuesday evening June 14 for not telling them about his meeting in Raleigh on HB 954 which would cancel the I-77 Cintra/ toll lane contract. Commissioners voted 5-0 in favor of a formal resolution expressing unhappiness […]
Tarte, business leaders, local officials call 11 am press conference
June 15. Just 17 hours after Cornelius Mayor Chuck Travis muscled through a 5-0 no-confidence vote at Cornelius Town Hall, a former mayor of Cornelius will lead a press conference at 11 am today in Raleigh with another NC senator. Sen. David L. Curtis (R-Lincoln) and Sen. Jeff Tarte (R-Mecklenburg) will hold a press conference regarding HB 954, […]
Toll battle shifts to NC Senate
June 6. ANALYSIS. By Dave Vieser. What happened last week with House Bill 954, which calls for the cancelation of the I-77 toll lane contract, was nothing short of amazing. The legislation was initially given virtually no chance of passing when it was first introduced. Then as troubling details about the Cintra toll lane contract […]
The tide turned against tolls in NC House after months of work
June 2. Analysis. By Sam Boykin. NC Rep. John Bradford was elated after today’s 80-26 vote in support of a bill he and Rep. Charles Jeter presented to terminate the I-77 toll lane agreement with Cintra, the Spanish company in charge of the controversial project. “This really shows overwhelming support,” Bradford said after the vote. […]
