The Regional Transportation Alliance is warning investments need to be made now in transportation before it's too late.

The group presented its annual report Tuesday on where the Triangle stands. Executive Director Joe Milazzo said it's important to get ahead of the game so the state isn't playing catch-up down the road.

"Our traffic congestion is not too bad, but with the growth that is coming we know we have to continue to make investments," Milazzo said.

But, projects aren't cheap and the North Carolina Department of Transportation has estimated a $1 billion shortfall over the next three years due to less revenue from sources like the gas tax.

"We're certainly concerned that there's limited funding and we need to continue to invest because mobility and infrastructure investments are critical," Milazzo said.

Looking ahead to 2009, the alliance said goals include ensuring the construction of highways like 540/Triangle Expressway, the widening of Interstate 40 between Cary and Raleigh and the proposed Durham East End connector. It also lists the importance of improving congested intersections and ramping up bus and rail services.

General Manager of the Triangle Transit Authority, David King, said he's seen bus service increase despite a drop in gas prices.

"There is a real market for the kind of commercial, residential and office opportunities that a transit oriented growth pattern produces," King said.

The General Assembly could potentially pass legislation this upcoming session that would give Triangle counties the authority to let people vote on a half-cent sales tax for transportation like buses and rail. However Chair of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization,Joe Bryan, said passing legislation would at least provide the tools for the future when the economy turns around.

"The financial crisis and economy we're in, I don't think the public would be voting on any type of additional tax increase," Bryan said.

North Carolina Board of Transportation member Nina Szlosberg said the talked about economic stimulus package under President Elect Barack Obama could help get projects moving. She said while the economy isn't certain, one thing is for sure.

"If we do not get serious about transit in the Triangle we're not going to be positioned well economically in the future," Szlosberg said.

The Regional Transportation Alliance also listed supporting the work of the 21st Century Transportation Committee as a goal for 2009. That special panel is working to solve and modernize some of the funding issues in North Carolina. On Wednesday the committee will meet to finalize recommendations to present to the legislature this January.

Related Links

1. Regional Transportation Alliance Report