North rail line survives transit commission vote
Posted by David Boraks on November 17, 2006
When will the Charlotte area’s North commuter line get built?
That question may be no closer to an answer this week. All we can say at this point is that the project isn’t dead yet.
The Metropolitan Transit Commission voted unanimously on Wednesday to move ahead simulaneously with both the north commuter rail line and a light-rail line to the UNCC area.
Officials from Davidson and other north Mecklenburg County towns have been lobbying to keep the north commuter rail line project on track, amid similarly intense lobbying from residents and employers in the University area for the proposed light rail.
There’s a lot at stake. Our town and other north county towns, along with developers along the north route, have already adjusted planning for new development, and a number of rail-friendly projects are already being built or are on the drawing board.
However, the prospects for both lines remain a bit hazy at this point. Of particular concern is whether the projects can qualify for federal transit funding in an era when traditionally scarce federal money is harder to come by than ever.
In email Friday, Davidson planning director Kris Krider said, “What this means for Davidson is we will have to help CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) identify funding sources to replace the federal funds which will not be available. Stay tuned.”
In a press release Thursday, CATs described the funding dilemma this way: “CATS staff will work with the towns, the county and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive funding plan for the North Corridor. The comprehensive funding plan will examine funding sources including the ½ cent sales tax, local, state and federal funding options and investments by the private sector. CATS staff is to report back to the MTC by July 1, 2007 on the North Corridor funding options.”
The latest timetable, contained in the 2030 Corridor System Plan approved Wednesday, is for North line design work to begin next year. The project will use existing train tracks north of Charlotte and is projected to cost $261 million. Beginning no earlier than 2012, one-way service would be offered during rush hours – southbound in the morning, northbound in the afternoon.
Another $111 million would be needed to construct facilities for two-way service, which would begin no earlier than 2019.
The revised timetable is unlikely to to cheer developers of transit-friendly projects or residents who commute into Charlotte daily.
Read more at the following links:
CATS press release announcing 2030 system plan: Click here>
Charlotte Observer, Thursday, Nov. 16: Rail Plans to North, University roll ahead >
Bob Maier said
With the Democrats running congress now, there is a better chance that federal rail funds will materialize. But with costs rising, the desire may never reach the need. Public works projects are now hugely expensive. Even a “greenway” now costs a quarter million $ a mile to build. Then there’s maintenance. So, don’t be surprised if light rail between here and Charlotte becomes a billion $ project. I’m not sure of the sense of the whole thing. Why not plop some existing rolling stock on the existing rails and get it going. Unfortunately, govt. empire builders don’t descend to that level.
Did you know that the transcontinental railroad was completed in less time than Charlotte’s Southern light rail route? It’s likely only your unborn children will get to ride round trip on the Northern route. Hope they thank us.
dboraks said
Further reading on this topic from the Charlotte Observer: “On the hunt for transit money: Commuter train to Lake Norman has support, but few funds” – the article suggests there is a deadline this summer for getting the funding.
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/16039918.htm
Bill Jackson said
The commuter rail line north to Davidson is ephemeral; way off schedule at best; and, should it ever materialize, it will be many years from now, and will do very little to alleviate traffic on I-77. Alas, in the meantime, it has been and will be used as “bait” to justify rearranging and tearing up sections of the town–with private developers reaping the benefits. On balance, it is contributing to local traffic congestion! Moreover, the prospect of the rail line is used by the Mayor Pro Tem et.al. to argue for “broadening the tax base” and more commercial development in Davidson. Calling something “progress” or “progressive” does not make it so.
It should be obvious that the incorporated town of Davidson is spinning out of the control of current local residents, with new commercial interests and future population growth (as expressed in voting rolls) making it a fait accompli. With the sanction of the elected Town Board, it is cookie-cutter urban planners and their private-interest allies (most of whom are strangers to this town) who have their way under the rubric of town hall “democracy.”