Raleigh, NC -- North Carolina's new slice of money from the federal government to improve Piedmont passenger train service could be pushed back under legislation being considered by state lawmakers.
The House Transportation Committee began debate Tuesday on a measure to bar the state Transportation Department from accepting $460 million in federal funds unless the Republican-led General Assembly approves.
The requirement could make it more difficult for state DOT to spend $461 million in federal grants announced last week to cut time between Raleigh and Charlotte by building new tracks and eliminating highway crossings.
Bill sponsor Rep. Ric Killian of Charlotte said he's worried the state will be left with a big annual bill to operate the service.
Newly elected Republican governors in Florida, Wisconsin and Ohio have turned down funds previously agreed to by their Democratic predecessors.
Barry Jenkins of Carolinas' Associated General Contractors asked lawmakers to take the money, which he said would mean thousands of construction jobs on roads and bridges to separate road and rail traffic.
AP