News

Here is a brief weekly update from the RTA business coalition — the voice of the regional business community on transportation.

NC Chamber, RTA highlight roadway investment needs
RTA joined the NC Chamber this week for the release of a new report outlining the conditions of NC and Triangle-area roadways. The findings of the TRIP report reinforce the need for a modern highway funding stream for capital, operational, and maintenance investments to serve our growing region and state. You can watch the news conference here with remarks from NC Chamber CEO Gary Salamido and me. RTA continues to engage with our state partners on advancing sustainable highway funding solutions, including our concept of a vehicle registration-based access fee approach.

RTRP and RTA host NC Aviation briefing event
Last week, RTA was pleased to co-host a regional business briefing with the Research Triangle Regional Partnership led by the NCDOT Division of Aviation. The online event highlighted the new State of Aviation report, which details the economic impact of NC airports during 2019. RDU Airport alone contributed more than $1.5 billion to the economy and supported 100,000 local and regional jobs. In addition, the briefing described the state’s new aerospace business development initiative and opportunities for industry expansion. Thank you to everyone who attended the briefing; you can see the full meeting presentation here.

NCDOT littering task force partnership
RTA has long been committed to encouraging and supporting NCDOT’s efforts to improve the appearance and safety of our roadway system, including partnering on the “Beautify Fortify” initiative and litter sweep efforts. The effects of the pandemic have sharply reduced available state funding for trash pick-up—as many have noticed. NCDOT has launched a new littering task force to help advance litter awareness and prevention, and I am optimistic that together we can make some positive movement. Thank you to RTA travel experience chair Jim Beley, with The Umstead Hotel and Spa, and RTA tourism and business travel chair Denny Edwards, with the Greater Raleigh CVB, for serving on this task force and leading on this effort!

Thank you for your investment in RTA to keep our region and economy moving!

Let’s get moving,

Joe Milazzo II, PE
RTA Executive Director