Title
Resolution for Programming of D-O LRT Funds (10 minutes)
Aaron Cain, LPA Staff
Narrative
Upon discontinuation of the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit (D-O LRT) project, the funds that were previously programmed to D-O LRT in the FY2020-2029 Draft STIP became available to other projects. Due to cost overruns on other projects, according to NCDOT staff only approximately $60M of the original funding programmed to D-O LRT is available to be programmed to new projects.
In SPOT 5, the highest scoring non-highway project in Division 5, where the $60M is available, is the Morrisville to Clayton Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has requested that the Boards of both DCHC MPO and CAMPO adopt a resolution approving the funds be programmed to Morrisville to Clayton BRT, which has a requested cost to NCDOT of $100M. A draft resolution is attached.
Staff recommends adopting the resolution. The DCHC MPO has stated its support for regional non-highway projects in the past, and has a policy of directing funds to non-highway projects over highway projects regarding other funding sources such as STBGDA. During discussions with NCDOT staff, it was noted by NCDOT that if all former D-O LRT funds were reprogrammed for highway projects, the state would still be able to meet its four percent requirement for non-highway across the state. The programming of $60M towards a regional non-highway project will further the goal of having an integrated transit system throughout the Triangle.
Recommendation
TC Action: Recommended that the Board adopt the resolution in support of the programming of funds to Morrisville to Clayton BRT.
Board Action
Board Action: Adopt the resolution in support of the programming of funds to Morrisville to Clayton BRT.