April 25. With Red Line discussions well under way, Cornelius appears ready to rejoin the regional Lake Norman Transportation Commission headed up by former Mooresville Mayor Bill Thunberg.
“We plan to rejoin pending Town Board vote which I expect will pass,” said Mayor Woody Washam. “I am confident we will be stronger together as we continue to work with each other to solve all levels of transportation challenges and needs.”
The LNTC helped the towns work together on regional transportation issues, providing a unified voice when dealing with the NCDOT or federal transportation authorities.
But the regional alliance faltered eight years ago when Huntersville and Cornelius pulled out, dissatisfied with the cost—about $80,000 a year split four ways among Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville and Mooresville, vs. the benefit.
Looming in the background then was epic dissatisfaction region-wide with toll lanes on I-77.
Washam said when a new interlocal agreement with LNTC is reviewed—it’s in process now—a cost will be determined and a Town Board vote scheduled.
Strength in numbers
A regional approach to regional transportation issues is more effective than one town at a time, especially as Red Line discussions and community meetings with Charlotte Area Transit System officials are set for later later this month.
“Our transportation needs in North Mecklenburg and South Iredell are at a crucial point for the future of all of our municipal needs,” said Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox.
It makes sense, though
“While Cornelius hasn’t made a final decision regarding support, we do want to investigate the possibilities of a Red Line and determine the pros and cons of allowing it to traverse through Cornelius. A regional transportation approach is very important, and we want to work with the rest of the county to provide additional transportation alternatives,” said Cornelius Commissioner Todd Sansbury.
In Huntersville
Mayor Christy Clark said Huntersville is still evaluating rejoining LNTC. “Even so, we are committed to working closely with our neighboring towns on transportation issues,” she said.
