Anti-Toll Lane Group Plans Town Hall In Mooresville Thursday

MOORESVILLE, NC — Widen I-77, a citizen group fighting the contentious privatized toll lane contract along Interstate 77 north of Charlotte, is holding a town hall meeting May 3 in Mooresville. The group said it is cautiously optimistic Gov. Roy Cooper could possibly modify or cancel the project contract and is holding the meeting to discuss what comes next.

Cooper convened a 12-person I-77 advisory panel to evaluate public concerns regarding the ongoing project, including potential options that include modifying or even buying out the private contractor currently overseeing construction to allow state crews to complete it.

Scrapping the privatized toll lane deal through that latter option would likely cost the state $640 million, North Carolina Department of Transportation said in March. That option would also give the state — and not a private company — complete control over toll pricing.

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“The conclusion of the Advisory Group meetings and the announcement by Governor Cooper that he will either modify or cancel the contract this year gives us reason for cautious optimism,” said Widen I-77’s Kurt Naas. “But success depends on continued public engagement.”

“Widen I-77 will provide information on how the public can get involved to help ensure the private tolling contract is terminated,” organizers said.

The meeting is scheduled Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m. at the Charles Mack Citizen Center, located at 215 Main Street in Mooresville.

What do you think about the privatized I-77 Toll Lane contract? Do you think the state should take over construction and running the tolls? Sound off in the comment section.

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