Today, NCDOT submitted an application for $300 million in discretionary funding made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It is uncommon for us to notify the public when we apply to the U.S. Department of Transportation for funding; we typically wait until we receive the grant. But this grant application is unique.
We are applying for these funds to make critical improvements along I-85 in Davidson and Rowan counties, including replacement of the Yadkin River Bridge. This stretch of I-85 is immensely important to North Carolina. It is a major interstate used to move people and products throughout our state. It is also critical to people from all across the nation for the same reason.
North Carolinians from all corners of our state are publically pledging their support for this grant. Since the grant is “discretionary,” that matters. NCDOT created a Web site (www.ncdot.gov/recovery/i85corridor/), to demonstrate how critical this project is to those of us who rely on it everyday.
I encourage everyone to visit the Web site, review the details of the proposed project, read letters of support already submitted, and then add their own. Demonstrating to USDOT that we are united in this effort could make a difference. Please tell your story and share your support by clicking the “Project Support” tab.
Economic recovery funding for transportation is already helping North Carolina, both in terms of making infrastructure improvements and supporting jobs and economic development, and this grant money would allow us to make this vital project a reality.
We do not have a date as to when USDOT will decide which states and projects are selected, but we will keep you posted!