10/8/03-Gov. Mike Easley has signed legislation into law allowing the state to borrow $700 million in bond money to improve 800 roads and bridges.
Under HB48, dubbed “North Carolina Moving Ahead!” the state Transportation Department will spend $630 million over two years to resurface roads, add turn lanes on two-lane highways, replace bridges and widen paved shoulders. Public transit systems will get $70 million.
The General Assembly approved the road package in July. It allows use of the Highway Trust Fund, a pool of increased fuel taxes and highway use, vehicle registration and title fees initiated in 1989.
The fund was previously reserved for use on new construction. But Moving Ahead permits the state to restock the fund when it sells $700 million in bonds remaining from a $950 million bond issue voters approved in 1996.

7/21/03-The Senate and House gave final approval this week to legislation that would allow the state to borrow $700 million in bond money on highway improvements. It now heads to the governor.
Under HB48, backed by Gov. Mike Easley and the state Transportation Department, the state would use $630 million to repair or improve existing roads. Public transit systems would get $70 million.
Voters approved borrowing the money in 1996 to speed up construction of urban loops or widen two-lane highways but the bonds were never sold.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7928.

5/12/03-The House passed legislation that would allow the state to borrow $700 million in bond money on highway improvements.
Under the proposal, backed by Gov. Mike Easley and the state Transportation Department, the state would use $630 million to repair or improve existing roads. Pubic transit systems would get $70 million.
Voters approved borrowing the money in 1996 to speed up construction of urban loops or widen two-lane highways but were never sold.
HB48 was approved by the House on May 1 and has been sent to the Senate appropriations committee. For bill status, call (919) 733-7928.

4/23/03-A House panel unanimously approved a bill April 23 that would allow the state to borrow $700 million in bond money on highway improvements.
Under the proposal, backed by Gov. Mike Easley and the North Carolina Transportation Department, the state would use $630 million to repair or improve existing roads. Public transit systems would get $70 million.
Voters approved borrowing the money in 1996 to speed up construction of urban loops or widen two-lane highways but were never sold.
HB48 moved easily through the House Transportation Committee after several lawmakers who had pushed for more money to pave dirt roads dropped their request.
The bill now goes before the House Appropriations Committee. For House bill status, call (919) 733-7928.

4/22/03-Gov. Mike Easley’s plan to spend $700 million in bond money on highway improvements might have to clear a roadblock.
The governor’s proposal was taken up recently by the House Transportation Committee. Several members discussed changes that would shift as much as $100 million toward paving rural dirt roads.
Easley wants to borrow money to repair or improve existing roads. Voters approved borrowing the money in 1996 to speed up construction of urban loops or widen two-lane highways.
The committee adjourned without voting on any of the proposed changes. Lawmakers are scheduled to continue their debate this week.