GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
H	1
HOUSE BILL 617

 
 
Short Title:	Freeze Loop $-Redirect to Maint./Pub. Trans.	()	
Sponsors:	Representative Luebke.	
Referred to:	Transportation.	
March 14, 2001

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO FREEZE THE portion of the HIGHWAY TRUST FUND appropriated FOR OUTER LOOPS AND TO REDIRECT THOSE FUNDS TO HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE and public transportation.

Whereas, the General Assembly created the Commission to Address Smart Growth, Growth Management, and Development Issues; and
Whereas, the General Assembly also created the Transportation Finance Study Committee; and
Whereas, the work of both groups affects the nature and quality of future development in North Carolina; and
Whereas, there have been insufficient communication  and coordination between these two study groups; and 
Whereas, this lack of coordination is leading to contradictory policy goals and direction for the State; and
Whereas, according to the Brookings Institution report commissioned by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for the Smart Growth Commission, further construction of outer loops is likely to worsen the already significant suburban sprawl of the State; and
Whereas, increased funding for metropolitan transit needs, statewide road and bridge maintenance and safety, and other improvements of existing roads would be more consistent with the findings of the Brookings Institution report than continued funding of sprawl‑producing outer loops; and
Whereas, the Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro outer loop projects should, as a result, be phased out immediately, and the funds for those projects redirected to transit, highway maintenance, and safety improvements on existing roads; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all unspent and unencumbered funds appropriated pursuant to G.S. 136‑176(b)(2) are reappropriated. One‑half of the reappropriated funds shall be for highway maintenance and one‑half used to fund public transportation projects.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.