Legislative and policy priorities

The Regional Transportation Alliance has a series of project priorities -- freeway, highway, transit, high speed rail, and air service priorites.  In addition, the Alliance maintains a list of legislative and policy priorities.  Our current policy priorities were recommended by Legislative and Policy chair Gary Salamido and approved by the RTA Steering Committee on January 13, 2011.

Top 2011 legislative focus areas
- Identify future gap funding to complete 540 / Tri-Ex loop
- Advance federal funding and/or state funding match for Raleigh-Petersburg-Richmond high speed rail
 
Top 2011 policy areas
- Ensure that the status of our top new freeway priority, the Triangle Connector to I-85, remains on track for right-of-way in 2011 and construction by 2014
- Approval of Bus on Shoulder Systems pilot program by transportation partners
- Identify public and private funding options and policy solutions to accelerate higher speed rail to Petersburg/Richmond/Hampton Roads/Washington, DC
- Harmonize DOT divisions with regional economic development regions
- Advance future Interstate from Raleigh to Hampton Roads

Additional or contingent legislative and policy focuses
- Pursue additional funding for the NC Mobility Fund and create a fair share contribution opportunity for electric vehicles
- If/as needed, secure legislative adjustments to language authorizing or enhancing bus on shoulder systems (BOSS) and/or transit local empowerment legislation
- If appropriate, pursue additional funding for urban loops including 540/Raleigh Outer Loop and the Triangle Connector to I-85