News

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

Highway funding relief – what to do?
At this week’s RTA Steering Committee meeting, we discussed the growing challenges facing NCDOT from a funding standpoint, which are becoming increasingly acute due to lower travel on the system and reduced fuel prices. NCDOT now projects that their future revenues may be down 30% or more, with current estimates of a $300 million shortfall during the next three months alone.

The RTA Steering Committee had a good discussion of a potential temporary funding option, and agreed to further explore a variety of avenues to provide revenue relief for operations and maintenance. Read more in today’s blog, and let me know if you would be interested in participating in a potential task force on this topic. 

RTA Innovations and Solutions Series – are you signed up?
Next week, we will host the online RTA Innovations and Solutions Series, consisting of two different sessions on consecutive days – April 15 and 16, at 2 p.m. The first day will feature presentations on intersection and freeway innovations, as well as a preview of the RTA “FAST network” transit study. On day 2, we will hear about emerging transportation technology with speakers from WakeMed Innovations and Cisco Systems.  The series event in partnership with Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster and in concert with NCDOT is free to attend – but you must RSVP here by Monday, April 13, to join more than 200 registrants.

Thank you for providing regional business leadership on transportation through the RTA. I wish each of our members, partners, and their families a Blessed Easter and Passover!

Let’s get moving,

Joe

Joe Milazzo II, PE
RTA Executive Director