Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) led the North Carolina Democratic delegation, including Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12), Kathy Manning (NC-06), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Don Davis (NC-01), and Wiley Nickel (NC-13), in a letter calling on the House leadership to provide adequate funding for transit and rail programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the severe cuts proposed by House Republicans in their FY 24 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations legislation would lead to a sharp decrease of over $20 million in funding for transportation programs in North Carolina alone, obstructing crucial infrastructure projects and undermining economic growth. The House is expected to consider the flawed THUD bill later this week.
“We are deeply concerned by proposed reductions in funding for these programs which are vitally important both nationally and in our home state of North Carolina. These cuts would not only hinder ongoing projects but also impede our ability to address pressing infrastructure needs and opportunities for economic growth,” the Members wrote.
The Members continued, “Transit investments are pivotal for our growing communities, enabling access to employment, education, healthcare, and social services, as well as reducing traffic congestion…Communities across North Carolina seeking improved rail services would face significant challenges without sufficient federal support. Transportation investments reflect a long-term commitment to enhancing the lives and livelihoods of our constituents, fostering economic development, and bolstering our state and national competitiveness.”
Ross has been a champion for expanding quality, affordable transportation options in Wake County and across North Carolina. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Ross and Congressman Nickel called for increased funding for the Wake County Bus Rapid Transit in FY 2024 Appropriations legislation.
In 2022, Congresswoman Ross and former Congressman David Price secured $35 million for the Wake County Bus Rapid Transit New Bern Avenue Project, and in 2021, they secured $5.4 million in American Rescue Plan funding for the project.
Read the full text of the letter here.