It's Unanimous: Johnston County Commissioners Say NO to 95 Tolls

On March 5, 2012 the Johnston County NC Commissioners unanimously adopted the following resolution:

WHEREAS, In January of 2012 the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) released the I-95 Corridor Planning & Finance Study identifying tolling as the most feasible means for funding future improvements of Interstate 95 in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Prior to the release of the I-95 Study, the NCDOT submitted an application to the FederalHighway Administration requesting approval to implement tolling on the Interstate 95 Corridor under the Interstate System Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Pilot Program; and

WHEREAS, Interstate 95 is a primary transportation artery in Johnston County and a major catalyst for tourism and economic development; and

WHEREAS, Significant negative impacts for communities and businesses that depend on Interstate 95 travelers for their livelihood could occur due to travelers diverting to alternate roads to avoid tolls; and

WHEREAS, The Johnston County Board of Commissioners believes that the I-95 Corridor Planning & Finance Study does not provide sufficient information on alternative funding sources for future improvements to Interstate 95; and

WHEREAS, The Johnston County Board of Commissioners further believes that the $6.4 million I-95 Corridor Planning & Finance Study completed by the NCDOT does not provide

sufficient information on the economic impact of tolling to the citizens, b u s i n e s s e s an d communities in Johnston County and along the Interstate 95 corridor.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Johnston County Board of Commissioners hereby opposes the tolling of Interstate 95 and requests the NCDOT to fully investigate alternative sources of revenue to finance future improvements of Interstate 95; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Johnston County Board of Commissioners requests the NCDOT to undertake a comprehensive study of the economic impacts of tolling for the citizens, businesses, and communities along the Interstate 95 Corridor.

Adopted this the 5th day of March 2012.

Allen L. Mims, Jr.

Chairman

Paula G. Woodard

Clerk to the Board