In a recent episode of Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis sat down with Joey Hopkins, the newly appointed Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The conversation delved into the complexities of managing transportation in a rapidly growing state like North Carolina, covering topics from funding challenges to innovative transportation solutions.
The Scale of North Carolina’s Transportation System
North Carolina boasts one of the largest state-maintained highway systems in the United States, a fact Hopkins highlighted early in the discussion. The NCDOT is not just about highways; it also oversees other modes of transportation including aviation, ferries, rail, public transit, and even bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. This broad responsibility makes the NCDOT a critical player in the state’s economic and social development.
Hopkins pointed out that the state’s transportation needs are growing alongside its population. North Carolina’s budget for transportation ranges between $7 and $8 billion annually, funded primarily by motor fuels taxes, DMV fees, and a portion of the state’s sales tax. Despite this significant budget, Hopkins acknowledged that funding is a perennial challenge due to rising construction costs and the increasing demand for transportation infrastructure.
Federal and State Funding: A Mixed Blessing
While federal and state funding has been robust in recent years, Hopkins emphasized that these funds are not keeping pace with the state’s needs. The introduction of the bipartisan infrastructure law brought a 20% increase in federal formula funds for highways and a 30% increase for public transit. However, even with these boosts, the state’s revenue from traditional sources like the gas tax is stagnating due to improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency and the growing adoption of electric vehicles.
This situation has led the NCDOT to explore alternative funding methods, including toll roads and sales tax allocations. For instance, local governments in areas like Wake County have opted to fund highway expansions through tolling, allowing projects like the 540 Outer Loop to proceed faster than they would have with traditional funding alone.
The Shift to Clean Transportation
One of the most significant trends discussed was the shift towards clean transportation. North Carolina recently surpassed 100,000 registered zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), a milestone that reflects the state’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Hopkins discussed the importance of expanding the network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state, funded partly by federal infrastructure grants. However, the rise of ZEVs presents a challenge to the state’s revenue model, as these vehicles contribute less to the gas tax, a primary source of transportation funding.
To address this, the NCDOT is considering new funding mechanisms and has launched the website AdvanceNCTransportation.com to engage the public in discussions about the future of transportation funding. This platform allows North Carolinians to explore how different funding models could impact their taxes and the state’s transportation infrastructure.
Challenges in Road Maintenance and Expansion
As North Carolina continues to grow, so does the wear and tear on its transportation infrastructure. Hopkins highlighted the state’s 81,000 miles of highways and nearly 14,000 bridges, many of which are aging and require significant maintenance. Inflation and rising construction costs have further strained the NCDOT’s budget, leading to a backlog of maintenance projects.
Hopkins noted that while new projects like highway expansions garner public attention, the less glamorous work of maintaining existing roads and bridges is equally important. The department is constantly balancing the need for new infrastructure with the necessity of maintaining what already exists.
The Future of Rail and Public Transit
In addition to highways, North Carolina is making strides in rail and public transit. The state has seen record ridership on its intercity passenger rail services, and plans are underway to expand these services further. For example, a recent $1 billion grant will fund a new rail line between Raleigh and Wake Forest, part of a broader effort to connect Raleigh to Richmond, Virginia, by rail. This project aims to cut travel time between Raleigh and Washington, D.C., making train travel a more competitive option compared to driving.
The state is also investing in bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, with Raleigh’s New Bern Avenue BRT set to become North Carolina’s first. These systems offer fast, reliable transit options with fewer stops, acting as a cost-effective alternative to light rail.
Aviation and Ports: Critical to Economic Growth
North Carolina’s aviation sector is another key focus area. The state’s 72 publicly owned airports contribute $72 billion to the economy, supporting over 330,000 jobs. Hopkins emphasized the importance of these airports, not just for passenger travel but also for economic development, particularly in attracting international business and facilitating global trade through the state’s ports.
The discussion also touched on North Carolina’s two deepwater ports in Wilmington and Morehead City, which are among the most productive on the East Coast. These ports are vital to the state’s economy, moving millions of tons of cargo annually and supporting thousands of jobs.
Embracing Technological Innovation
Technology plays an increasingly important role in North Carolina’s transportation strategy. The NCDOT is leveraging new technologies to enhance public safety, such as automated systems in vehicles that help prevent accidents. Hopkins also mentioned partnerships with local law enforcement to deploy blue light trailers in work zones, which have proven effective in slowing down traffic and reducing accidents.
The department is also focused on modernizing the DMV, with initiatives like extended hours, new kiosks for vehicle services, and more secure driver’s licenses. These efforts aim to improve efficiency and customer service, especially as the state’s population continues to grow.
In Summary
Joey Hopkins’ insights during the Carolina Newsmakers interview provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing North Carolina’s transportation system. From funding and maintenance to the adoption of clean technologies and the expansion of public transit, the NCDOT is navigating a complex landscape. As the state continues to grow, the department’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in ensuring that North Carolina remains a leader in transportation infrastructure and services.
