The Second District got some good news this week when the North Carolina Department of Transportation changed course and announced they will now be taking the responsible step of analyzing the economic impact and burdens a toll on I-95 would have on our communities.
After hearing from numerous constituents and businesses along the I-95 corridor, I submitted a letter to the Federal Highway Administration calling for an economic impact study back in February.
In this newsletter you will find more information about the proposed toll on I-95 and my work to protect our communities and businesses from the harm it would cause by going into effect. You will also find updates on my work in Washington this week and the latest news on the economy.
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NTLC’s Tax Fighter Award
This week I was honored to receive the Tax Fighter Award from the National Tax-Limitation Committee for my work in Congress to protect hardworking American taxpayers from devastating tax increases. Here in the House, we will continue to fight for common sense policies that will put America back to work, remove costly regulations that are crippling our small businesses, and balance our budget. I am very grateful for this award and thank NTLC for the work they are doing to protect taxpayers throughout the country.
N.C. Unemployment Rate at 9.7%
Jobs numbers released today show that North Carolina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased in August to 9.7 percent. This is unacceptable.
In the House, we have been working hard to promote job creation, having passed 38 bills that would create a better environment for private-sector growth, but many of these bills are stalled in the Democrat-controlled Senate waiting for action. You can track the progress of these bills on this page of my website.
The Threat of Sequestration to Small Businesses and Jobs
Yesterday in a hearing of the House Committee on Small Business, we heard testimony on the effect sequestration would have on small businesses, jobs, and the industrial base. This issue is especially important to the Second District since we are home to so many members of the armed forces at Ft. Bragg. You can find information about this hearing and the work we are doing on the Small Business Committee on the committee website.
NC DOT Announces Policy Change, Calls for Economic Impact of Tolls
I was pleased to learn this week that the North Carolina Department of Transportation has changed course and is now taking the responsible step of analyzing the economic impact and burdens a toll on I-95 would have on our communities.
This week, N.C. Secretary of Transportation Gene Conti announced that a new economic analysis of tolling on Interstate 95 has been ordered and will be released next spring. The Fayetteville Observer reported that the study comes in the wake of public opposition this spring and cites the work of political officials for the latest shift in policy. Also this year, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill calling for an economic impact study of these tolls.
Last spring, after hearing from numerous constituents and businesses along the I-95 corridor, I submitted a letter to the Federal Highway Administration calling for an economic impact study before a decision is made to put this pilot program into effect. (Click Here to read my letter to the Federal Highway Administration.)
Under original proposals by the Perdue Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), a new pilot program to expand Interstate 95 would require new tolls along the highway to pay for 90 percent of the $4.4 billion project. These tolls would place an undue burden on commuters and businesses, causing a number of perverse incentives including redirected traffic to secondary roads, loss of income to businesses, and further stress to the neighboring economies.
Our highways need to be updated to meet growing needs and usage, but it should not come at unnecessary costs to businesses and the surrounding communities. I remain opposed to tolls on I-95 and maintain that any improvement to our highway system should not come at the expense of existing businesses and surrounding communities along the corridor that attract business to our state. I will continue to remain vigilant and work to protect our citizens from further economic harm as we strive to fix our economy and bring jobs to North Carolina.
In the News
I-95 Project On Hold Over Tolling
Dunn Daily Record
Rep. Ellmers said in a statement she is glad to see tolling along I-95 delayed. “I’m pleased to have learned that the North Carolina Department of Transportation has changed course and is now taking the responsible step of analyzing the economic impact and burdens this toll would have on our communities,” she said. Rep. Ellmers said other options can be exercised before making drivers on the road pay for the repairs.
Rep. Renee Ellmers on Kyle Harrington radio show
The Harrington Hour San Diego’s 1170 AM KCBQ
Congresswoman Renee Ellmers discuss the assassination of the Libyan Ambassador, foreign policy, and Obamacare.Interview with Kyle Harrington. Click here to listen to my full interview.
October 31 Deadline for Service Academy Nominations
If you know someone in the Second District who is interested in attending a United States Service Academy, you can get information about the application and nomination process on my website.
If you have questions or need additional information, contact Alice McCall in my District Office at 910/230-1910. The deadline to submit an application for nomination to my office is October 31st.