Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Congressman Wiley Nickel (NC-13) urged the House Appropriations Committee to include $77.8 million in federal funding for the Wake Bus Rapid Transit Southern Corridor Project in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024. The letter follows President Biden’s budget proposal that recommended federal funding for the project.

“This transit project will span five miles, connecting Downtown Raleigh to Downtown Garner and traveling through major job and activity center. Wake County is among the fastest-growing counties in the country, growing by approximately 62 people per day with 225,000 people added over the last decade. As a result, we have an urgent need for enhanced, robust, and efficient public transportation,” the Members wrote.

The Members continued, “In total, the plan includes approximately 20 miles of transit through four Bus Rapid Transit corridors throughout Wake County. The Wake BRT Southern Corridor Project provides better access to affordable housing units, which have been strategically placed near planned transit stops, and will also connect more residents to exciting job opportunities in Southern Wake County.”

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. In November 2016, Wake County voters approved a half-cent sales tax increase to bolster funding for transit. As a state legislator, Congresswoman Ross worked to ensure this provision made it on the ballot.

Full text of the letter is available here.