Billions of state dollars for the Department of Transportation (DOT) were approved by the state House of Representatives last week as the legislature continues to fund state government priorities blocked by the Governor’s budget veto through stand-alone appropriations bills.
House Bill 100 DOT Budget for 2019-2021 Biennium received broad bipartisan support in the state House and sent to the Governor.
H.B. 100 is consistent with the vetoed state budget to adjust appropriations and availability schedules for over $8 billion in the Highway Funds and Highway Trust Funds over the biennium.
The bill also includes spending directives for transportation capital, repairs, and renovation needs, as well as standard statutory language governing DOT’s receipt and use of grant funds and establishing or increasing fees.
It further provides more than $12 million in general airport funding, addresses budgeting for DOT salary increases, and contains special provisions governing DOT’s operations.
Rep. Frank Iler (R-Brunswick) said H.B. 100 ensures DOT can continue to accommodate North Carolina’s rapid population and economic growth with major transportation projects to improve the state’s infrastructure.
“Businesses and families can see the incredible investments North Carolina is making in our infrastructure, from new roads and renovations to airports, ports, and rail projects, that continue to drive relocations and expansions to our rapidly growing state,” Rep. Iler said Wednesday.
“Today’s appropriation to DOT is essential to maintain that success.”
North Carolina dramatically reformed its approach to transportation funding under Republican leadership this decade, moving from direct budget appropriations decided by legislators to the formulaic Strategic Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
