HomeMy WebLinkAbout20181598_Att. 33 - NCDOT's NC Vision 25_20160222GOV. McCRORY'S
Vision for North Carolina
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OUR FUTURE
__________________________________________________
Attachment 3 3
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Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
Dear Friends,
Transportation impacts nearly every aspect of North Carolina, playing a central role in
the overall well-Ueing of our state and our efforts to maintain a high quality of life for our
communities. In particular, transportation infrastructure is a powerful economic engine,
supporting job aeation, helping us attract new business and industry, and ultimately
creating better lives from the mountains to the coast.
North Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the nation, bringing both new
challenges and opportunities as we work to keep pace with increasing demand on our
infrastructure. 1he transportation needs of our state are also incredibly diverse, making it
impossible to devise a single solution. Complicating this, our traditional revenue sources
are falling short of projected levels, making it even more critical that we think and act
strategically.
To that end, over the past year and a half, we have been listening closely to stakeholders,
partners and citizens to evaluate how we can malce the greatest impact with our limited
resources, and how we can work together to invest in the right way for North Carolina.
We examined existing studies and reports, and we worked together to pass the new
Strategic Transportation Investments law, which changes how we fund and prioritize
transportation projects and lays the foundation for our efforts moving forward.
Building on that groundwork, this vision serves as a roadmap for strategic investment
over the next quarter century to ensure we are fully leveraging our transportation system.
It does not provide a list of specific projects, but instead gives us high-level direction for
all our transportation efforts by laying out the comprehensive and regional solutions that
are needed for North Carolina to achieve its full potential and realize continued success.
'Ihe conversation is just beginning, and it will be up to all of us to determine how we
make this vision a reality. We invite all of you to partner with us as we work toward
transportation investments that will help secure a promising future for North Carolina.
Sincerely,
� �c
Pat McCrory
Governor
�/ .� / �—
/ J / ��-/��
Anthony J. Tat� �
Secretary of Transportation
,
1848
NC RAILROAD
CREATED
1921
HIGHWAYACT
OF 1921 PASSES
1 a GAS TAX
% 1973 �
AVIATION BRANCH
JOINS NCDOT
1974
TRANSIT OFFICE
CREATED UNDER
� NCDOT /
9a
% 1855 \
FIRST 130-MILE
SEGMENT OF NCRR
COMPLETED
BETWEEN
GREENSBORO &
\ GOLDSBORO �
' 1927
F�RST PASSENGER
AIR SERVICE STARTS
(CHARLOTTE)
1989
HIGHWAY TRUST
FUND CREATED
1889
FIRST TROLLEY
SERVICE
ESTABLISHED
(ASH EVI LLE)
1931
OWNERSHIP OF
ALL SECONDARY
ROADS
TO NCDOT
% 2002 �
TURNPIKE
AUTHORITY CREATED
2011
TRIANGLE
\EXPRESSWAY
OPENS �
1898
FIRST CARS SOLD
1903
FIRST IN FLIGHT
1934
FERRY SYSTEM
FUNDED BY
GOVERNMENT
1909
FIRST LICENSE
PLATEISSUED
� 1939
FIRST STATE TO
DECLARE A BICYCLE
AS A VEHICLE
� 1915
NC GENERAL
ASSEMBLY CREATED
HIGHWAY
, COMMISSION ,
1941
NC DEPARTMENT
OF MOTOR
VEHICLES
FOUNDED
1916
FIRST PAVED ROAD
(GARNER)
s==%%•%�
1980 POP
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2013 `
STRATEGIC °, ``
TRANSPORTATION . �„�
d
INVESTMENTS / •�
LAW PASSED _
1880 iPOPULATION;
840 POPWLATION: 753.419 1850 POPULATION: 869,039
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� . -`-��0 POpULA�IQ�I. 3,�.. ..
1920 POPULATION: 2,559,123
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Vision ior Noiih Carolina: Mappiny Our Future
6
�UR DEPARTMENT
.................................................................................................................................................................................... ..
211C� �al'g@St nearly
state-maintained highway system: 15,000 miles
with nearl HO OOO mlles � of primary highways : 1 O
y ' � (Interstate, US and :
more than NC routes) �ommercial airports
have regularly
nearly scheduled service
� 65,000 miles
bridges
/
miles of tracks
operated in North
Carolina
.....................................................
2nd
largest state-operated
ferry system and the
lar est
g
on the East Coast
: of secondary roads :
� -� ' transit systems
� �I � publicly owned airports
provide
and nearly 300 privately owned
transportation airports, heliports and other
options to landing areas
: residents in all �
. � more than 5�00�
:� oo �0u ntl es: miles of regional or statewide bicycle and
pedestrian routes planned
...:..........................................................:..............................................................
North Carolina's � �
�--�_� million
Amtrak provides •
3roundtripsdaily � Vei11C�2S reglStel"eCi ICl
2 2 to cnariotte, N o rth Ca ro I i n a:; ����
ferries that serve � Greensboro, Rale�gh ^"
and 9 other North 7� 4 m i I I i o n
7
routes Carolina cities licensed drivers
..................................:......................................... :..............................................................
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
CONTENTS
MAPPING OUR FUTURE
2040 BYTHE NUMBERS
REGIONAL SOLUTIONS
Coastal Region
Eastern Region
Central Region
Western Region
COMPREHENSIVE NEEDS
INVESTING IN OUR VISION
Suppor�ting material, including background information, statistics and analysis used to
11e1p develop the plan, is availa�le at NCVision25.gov.
7
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9
10
12
16
20
24
28
32
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future 8 Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future 9
MAPPING
From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina is a state
of diverse landscapes, people and industries. These attributes
make our state a great place to work, visit and call home.
Our talented and educated workforce, innovative research centers and global connectivity
attract many companies to our state each year. These companies recognize that our
transportation infrastructure is the Uackbone of North Carolina's economy. With the right
new investments in our roads, bridges and other transportation modes, our state will
solidify and grow its position as an economic powerhouse.
We cannot reach that goal without a vision and road map for our transportation future.
This plan provides a guide for the next 25 years that clearly illustrates how we can better
connect all North Carolinians with jobs, education, healthcare, recreation and each otlier.
Our state has many great opportunities, but we also face challenges.
North Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the nation. More than 12.5 million
people are projected to live here by 2040, a 32 percent increase from the state's 2010
population. The majority of that growth will occur in major metropolitan areas, which are
projected to house 81 percent of the state's overall population by 2040. Across the state, otu�
smaller communities are expected to see population growth of rnore than 180,000 people
over the next 25 years.
During this period of rapid growth, we are one of many states simultaneously seeing
a sharp decline in the projected revenue needed to build and maintain infrastructure.
The state gas tax is no longer a reliable revenue source, and federal funding is uncertain.
Therefore, we must find new ways to strategically invest in our transportation network to
meet growing demands. The 2040 Plan estimates that over the next 25 years it will cost
between $94 Uillion and $123 billion to maintain and enllance the quality of service offered
by our transportation system.
As we work to generate alternative funding sources, we are making the best use possiUle
of our existing revenue by implementing the Strategic Transportation Investments (STI)
law. STI allows the state to prioritize its investments, Uased on quantifiable needs and
community input. Early indications show that we can schedule more than twice as many
projects with STI than under the old funding system.
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Rural Population:l9°�
PROjECTED: 12.5 million residents
-
Statewide Travel
In this plan, we review the importance of
eacl� region of the state, identify its unique
challenges, explain what will happen if
no action is taken, and lay out solutions.
By inapping our future in this way> we
can better leverage our transportation
infrastructure to create joUs and stimulate
continued economic growth while reducing
congestion, improving connectivity and
providing additional travel options.
COl1�'L@Ct a I I
NOR,TH
CAROLINIANS
with jobs, education,
healthcare, recreation
and each other
Vision ior No�ih Carolina: Mapping Our Future
REGI 1�AL
O
Co�sidering tl�e unigue
landscapes, economic diversity
and distinct challenges presen�
in each region of our state, it
is clear that a `one-size-fits-a�l'
approach �or infrastructure
investmen�s will Mot wor�
in North Carolina. This plan
recognizes four regions in
which we identify the specific
infrastructure solutioris
needed to make our state
more globally competitive.
On the following pages, we:
provide a regional breakdown
of targeted investments in
multi-modal s4lutions that
will create a stronger, more
reliable transportation netwark
that connects people to
places, products to marl�ets;
expands jobs anci industry, and
enhances the overall quality of
life in North Carolina.
WESTERN SOLUTIONS
o Improve Interstate Connections
o Strengthen Highway Conttectivity
from Mountains to Coast
� Improve Intrastate G'onnec�ions
o Enhance Industrial Rail to Supj�orf
Freight anct Econvmic Growth
10
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
EASTERN SOLUTIONS
� Relieve Congestion for People and a Improve Highway to Hampton
Products Roads
o Expand Mass Transit Options � Strengthen Military Conneetions
o Enhance Aceess to Inland Ports a Enhance Freight Movement
� Improve Connectivity to Logistics Hubs a Improve I-95 Connections
� Support Connections to Privately
Megasites
I'
�
COASTAL SOLUTIONS
o Sustainable Beach Nourishment
o Improve Highway Connections
� Replace Aging Bridges
o Stabilize Inlets
o Transfarm Nortk Carolina Ports
11
��
COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS
� Strengthen Maintenance of our Existing
Facilities
o Improve Public Transportation Network
including Passenger Rail
o Expand Bicycle and Pedestrian Network
Statewide
� Support Greater Broadband Connectivity
through ExistingRight of Way
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
COASTAL
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Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
13
IMPORTANCE
Millions of visitors flock to North Carolina's coastline every
year to enjoy more than 300 miles of beautiful beaches, boating
and rich history. Tourism rates continue to increase annually,
bringing in nearly $2.6 billion a year in economic activity
in coastal North Carolina. In addition, the tourism industry
provides more than 29,000 jobs in the state each year.
Dating back to the early 18th century, the fishing industry remains a way of life for our
coastal communities. It is responsible for more than 5,180 jobs and contributes more
than �255 million to the state's econorny annually.
Shipping is another major industry along our coast. Ninety-five percent of global trade
ai�d commerce depends on seaports. Our state ports in Wilmington and Morehead
City, both foreign trade zones, have a$7.5 billion annual economic impact and support
65,000 jobs statewide. With landside and waterside improvements, the ports would be
positioned to respond to the next generation of shipping vessels that will be in service
once the major Panama Canal enhancement project is completed.
CHALLENGES
Coastal North Carolina faces a number of challenges, inany related to Mother Nature and
the area's unique environment.
Severe erosion and extreme weather events like hurricanes continue to shrink the size of
our Ueaches and threaten the roads that run alongside them. Continued exposure to salt
water has left many aging coastal bridges in need of repair or replacement.
Shifting sands off the coast often make it difficult to navigate the waterways, and constant
dredging is needed to keep channels open for shipping and to allow fishing boats to pass
through safely.
Seasonal changes in traffic, changing demographics of the year-round residential
population and the growing need for access to multi-modal transportation options also
place dynamic pressures on the region's transportation infrastructure.
TOURISM
RATES
INCitEASE
EACH
YEAR
$2.6 billion
industry
miles of
beautiful
, beaches ,
i�
jobs statewide
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
COASTAL
Preserving the n�tural beaiity of this region is not just the right thing to do; it is
essential to sustaining the region's robust tourism industry. We must balance providing
access to residents, tourists and Uusinesses while inaintaining the natural beauty and
environmental integrity of our coast. Addressing these needs has been, and continues to
be, a challenge for our coastal region.
RISK OF DOING NOTHING
If we do not take immediate action to address these transportation issues, we risk losing
important connections, thousands of jobs and millions of dollars to support our state.
Keeping our roads open and our waterways accessible are vital to many of our state's
industries and are necessaiy if we want to expand economic opportunities and create
jobs.
Seasonal congestion and lack of efficient access to and from the coast threaten the
viability of our tourism industry. Lack of sufficient channel depths will continue the
diver sion of our active fishing industry to other marine landings. In addition, if we fail
to malce improveinents at our ports, we stand to lose business in a highly competitive
shipping industry. Doing nothing may make it difficult for our ports to attract
investments aiid create new employment opportunities.
If we do not invest in our coastal infrastructure, residenis could face isolation from
mainland services and resources. Aging bridges, sud� as the Bonner Bridge, have already
encountered temporary closures, which shtrt down the only highway connection for
thousands of Hatteras Island residents to work, schools and healthcare.
14
balance
providing access
to residents, tourists
and businesses while
MAINTAINING
the natural beauty
and environmental integrity
of our coast
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Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future 15
INVESTING IN SOLUTIONS
Sustainable Beach Nourishment
� Coordinate with local, state anc� federal partners to develop and implement
OO a proactive, long-range plan for sustainaUle beach nourishment to protect
infrastructure.
� Improve Highway Connections
�� Continue to improve highway routes which provide access to the coast and
� ofter congestion relief during seasonal traflic peaks, whi]e serving as essential
emergency evacuation routes.
�� Replace Aging Bridges
' � Continue work to replace aging Uridges, keeping important connections for
residents, businesses and tourists in place.
rw
wr•
Stabilize Inlets
� Develop and impleinent a proactive, long-range plan for stabilizing our shallow
drait inlets and sllipping channels, providing important opportunities for
industry and improved reliability for our vital ferry routes.
Transform North Carolina Ports
, � Pursue including a recommendation in the Army Corps of Engineers Chief's
iReport to deepen and widen our cl�atinels to suppart movements of the newest
� generation of shipping vessels.
� Develop intermodal train service at the Port of Wilmington.
� Continue to seek opportunities to develop interinodal facilities along the I-95
corridor to support freight shipping.
� Leverage public-private partnerships to complete the develop�nent of Radio
Island, and support landside improvements in interstate quality connections
and enhanced rail access to the Port of Morehead City.
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Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
EASTERN
16
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Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
IMPORTANCE
17
Eastern North Carolina is a region rich in history, a center of
agriculture and home to some of the nation's largest military
communities. It is an area built on farming and manufacturing,
particularly textiles and tobacco, and it has experienced
tremendous change as many of its traditional industries have
seen significant declines in prominence.
The region also features a number of healthcare and education centers, and is well
positioned to connect with other economic centers across state lines, particularly in the
southeastern and northeastern corners of the United States. In addition, the northern
portion of the region is strategically located near Hampton Roads, Va. and the Port of
Norfolk, which boasts an annual gross domestic product of $85 billion.
With a robust military presence> the eastern region is home to seven military bases.
With more than 110,000 active duty personnel (fourth largest in the nation) and 770,000
veterans, North Carolina is regularly recognized as one of the most military friendly
states in the nation. Annually, the area supports an overall military-related economic
impact of $48 billion, including 540,000 military-related jobs.
Agriculture remains an economic staple for the region, generating a total annual income
of $G7 billion in eastern North Carolina alone.
The area is also home to the 2,500-acre G1oUa1 TransPark, which features a foreign trade
zone and an 11,500 foot runway, and is strategically located along the U.S. 70 corridar
between the Port of Morehead City and Raleigh. Anchor tenant Spirit Aerosystems
projects it will increase its workforce to more than 1,000 employees by 2016, doubling its
staff size.
CHALLENGES
Sounds, wetlands, rivers and streams are just a few of the prominent enviromnental
features of the eastern region that create challenges as we work to design a safe, efficient,
environmentally sound and well-connected transportation network in this region.
military-related jobs
some
' LARGEST '
military
communities in
�NATION/
agriculture industry
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
EASTERN
Lack of interstate-quality access to and from the GTP limits the nuinber and type of
businesses we can attract to this facility. Even wi�th the foreign trade zone, commercial
runways and onsite facilities prepared to serve growing Uusinesses, the lack of investment
in the "last-mile infrastructure" prohibits the GTP from successfully recruiting new
companies and expanding existing ones.
As it transitions from a center of manufacturing and agriculture, the eastern region has
struggled to complete several significant infrastructure projects, such as improvements
to U.S. 17 and U.S. 70, that would help the area recruit new businesses to better meet its
changing needs.
Population rates continue to decline in the region, as trends indicate that people
are moving away from rural areas and into high-growth urban centers. Without the
infrastructure to support new industries and provide efficient connections to job centers,
this trend will not change.
RISK OF DOING NOTHING
Without appropriate infrastructure investments in the eastern region, this area will miss
opportunities to reclairn manufacturing jobs that are returning to tl�e United States and
will not be able to respond to chauging agricultural demands. L�ck of timely investment
along the U.S. 70 carridor will limit the region's ability to leverage its position to enhance
the economy on local and state levels.
If we do not invest in highway and rail connections that support military freight and
deployment needs, military readiness inay be impacted. Likewise, if we do not provide
better access for service members and their families to healthcare and education, we
risk failing those who have sacrificed so much. Additionally, we risk not keeping highly
trained and talented ��eterans and civilians in our state.
18
design
a safe, e�'icient,
environmentally sound
and well-connected
TRANSPORTATION
network in this region
we risk
failing
those who have
SACRIFICED
so much
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future 19
INVESTING IN SOLUTIONS
^ Improve Highway to Hampton Roads
�� � Request future interstate designation for the section of U.S. 64/U.S. 17
� connecting to Hampton Roads, Va., and compLete improvements that bring
this section of roadway to interstate standards.
Strengthen Military Connections
�� Improve highway and rail connections between bases and to ports of
embarkation and debarkatioi7.
� Improve high�vay connections between Uases and regional healthcare and
education centers.
Enhance Freight Movement
�o Improve U.S. 70 to interstate standards to enhance freight movement and
reduce travel tirne through the region.
� Support economically competitive rail access to the GTP and d1e Port of
Marehead City.
� Improve I-95 Connections
�
� Improve connections to the I-95 corridor from rail and seaports to serve
markets throughout the eastern United States.
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future 20
CENTRAL
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Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
21
IMPORTANCE
Central North Carolina is a center for high-tech industry,
innovative medicine and research, and world-renowned
higher education. From the Charlotte area to the Triad and
the Triangle, people and products are on the move, and global
connectivity has never been more important. The majority of
the jobs, as well as some of the state's largest companies and
employers, are located in this area.
The central region is the state's largest economic engine, providing $300 billion in gross
domestic product and accounting for 67 percent of the state's total GDP. Currently,
61 percent of our population lives in central Narth Carolina, and trends indicate that
percentage will continue to grow.
With foreign trade zones at Charlotte-Douglas International, Piedmont-Triad
International and Raleigh-Durham International airports, the region is well-connected
to global markets. In addition, the area, intenlationally known for its exceptional colleges
and universities, hos�ts 62 percent of all college enrollmen�ts in the state.
As central North Carolina grows ii1 Uoth population and economic importance, it will
need infrastructure enhancements to manage and support this growth.
CHALLENGES
Increasing population growth will continue to place pressure on a transportation system
that in many areas is at or beyond capacity. Growing demand for inobility options
will overload existing transit services and congest roadways, causing them to rapidly
deteriorate.
Expanding industries, while beneficial to the economy of the region, place additional
demands on infrastructure originally designed for smaller scale logistics and commuter
needs. Businesses looking to transport goods and services are competing for space on
congested commuter routes. People who live in high-growth areas within the central
region have limited options to avoid existing congestion, such as mass transit, passenger
i��ail, light rail and bicycle/pedestrian routes. Trends show that moi��e people are moving to
�
BILLION
. GDP /
�
2%
college enrollments
hosted in this area
from arross state
population lives
in region
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
CENTRAL
densely populated areas, where they expect access to these services as they live, work
and play.
RISK OF DOING NOTHING
In the metropolitan areas of central North Carolina, congestion alone costs travelers
nearly $1.9 Uillion a year. Drivers also spend an estimated $2.3 billion a year in
safery-related repairs to vehicles annually after traveling on roads in need of repair or
resurfacing. These costs combined total $4.2 billion a year. The only way to reduce that
figure is to improve e�sting roadways and launch innovative new infrastructure projects
to address the worst congestion in our inajor urban areas.
With $364 Uillion in goods shipped from sites within North Carolina and $337 billion in
goods shipped to sites in our state each year, the quality of our transportation system is
increasingly important as a site selection criterion for companies loolcing to relocate or
expand. Specifically, highway accessibility remains their number-one site selection factor.
Eighty-six percent of goods shipped from sites within North Carolina are carried Uy
truck, which illustrates that well-maintained roads without traffic bottlenecks are
essential to a vibrant economy. The strength of our logistics and shipping industries in
the central region will be marginalized if we do not keep our sights on the maintenance
and traffic flow improvements needed in this increasingly congested portion of the state.
Another factor companies will consider Uefore making a move to central North Carolina
is the qLiality of life for their potential employees. Excellent transportation services
are essential to the region's success in tlus area. Access to efficient, reliable public
transportation options will not only address traffic congestion, it will also increase safety
by reducing crash rates. If we take no action, we will lose intercity connections and easy
access to cominunity services.lhis will lead to other states oLitcompeting us during site
selection processes. We must plan for the future transportation needs of all residents Uy
including roUust plans for multi-modal transportation options.
22
the quality of our
TR,ANSPORTATION
system is increasingly
important as a site selection
Criterion for
companies
86%
goods shipped
by trurk
EXCELLENT
transportation services
a re essential
to the region's success
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future 23
INVESTING IN SOLUTIONS
� Relieve Congestion for People and Products
�� Continue work on interstate improvements and congestion relief projects to
� support freight moveinents and commuter needs and better coiulect people to
education, healtl�care, job and recreation centers.
�
• •
�
Expand Mass Transit Options
� Support the expansion of mass transit options in high-growth areas to address
the needs of a changing demographic, congestion and land development
concerns.
° Support the expansion of light rail services in e�sting and new urban marlcets
when demand, local planning and funding support the service to address dle
needs of a changing business climate and congestion concerns.
Enhance Access to Inland Ports
�� Improve highway connections and seelc economically coinpetitive rail service
to inland parts in and around Charlotte.
Improve Connectivity to Logistics Hubs
� Improve highway coni�ections and expand airfreigl�t and rail capabilities to
support the Triad Logistics Hub.
��� Support Connections to Privately Developed Megasites
• •
� Ensure infi�astructure plans recognize the developinent of inegasites in the
��� region and support their abIlity to attract new businesses in targeted indtitstry
clusters.
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
WESTERN
24
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
IMPORTANCE
�
Western North Carolina's tree-lined mountains not only
make this region unique, they also contribute in a significant
way to our economy. Our state ranks second in the nation in
Christmas tree production, a business that generates more than
$75 million in annual sales, mostly from several key western
counties. The craft brewing industry is rapidly growing in
the western region, too, and popular breweries such as Sierra
Nevada and New Belgium are now opening shop in the area.
Another major economic driver in western North Carolina is the apple industry. In
Henderson County alone, it generates about $22 million annually and accounts far 65
percent of all apple production in the state.
The region also offers the greatest concentration of arts and crafts education in the
country. Sales of art in western North Carolina are nearly 30 percent higher than the
state as a whole on a per capita basis. Buncoinbe County saw about $44 million in direct
economic Uenefits from tl�e arts and crafts trade in 7_012.
Western North Carolina's breath-taking waterfalls and winding trails make it a prime
tourist destination, as we1L The scenic beauty of this region is what draws thousands of
people from across the state and around the world to the area each year to camp, ski, raft
or simply take in the view from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Historic sites lilce the Biltmore
House and Gardens, and gaming attractions lilce the casino in Cherokee also significantly
contriUute to the local economy by attracting more than 4.5 million visitors each year.
In addition, western North Carolina provides a gateway to a number of economic centers
in surrounding states, and enhanced connections would open new opportunities far
employment, healthcare, education and recreation.
CHALLENGES
The natural beauty and rugged terrain that are hallmarks of the state's western region
also limit our ability to build new infrastructure and expand what already exists without
negatively impacting the natural environment. Preserving the beauty of this region is
2nd largest
Christmas ���.�������� producer
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, �
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education in nation
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
WESTERN
key to our $3 billion tourism industry, yet we must find a way to provide access and
connections to and through this region.
The region continues to struggle as workers move away from small towns to high-growth
urban centers for job opportunities and access to healthcare and education services.
Infrastructure investments that increase the freight capacity and throughput potential
in the area will have a significant impact on the region's ability to maintain current
businesses and attract new ones.
Challenging terrain and deteriorating facilities present obstacles to inoving freight along
highway routes and rail corridors. With $1 billion in agribusiness annually, the western
region inust find ways to expand rail access, which will provide opportunities to expand
this industry and draw in new business.
RISK OF DOING NOTHING
If we do not invest in the infrastructtu�e necessary to better connect the western region
to economic centers within the state (Asheville, Charlotte, Wuiston-Salem, etc.) and to
nearby economic centers such as Atlanta, Greenville/Spartanburg and Kno�ille, the
number of businesses and jobs in the region will decline rapidly. With GDP rates of $294
billion, $18.9 billion and $35 billion respectively, lack of adequate connections to these
economic centers will make it nearly impossible for western North Carolina to achieve its
vision of a sustainable and thriving regional economy.
WithoLtt new ii�vestments to expand industrial rail access, freight movements throughout
the region may become less efficient and less reliable. Growth in agribusiness will become
flat, commercial warehouses will continue to move away, and businesses attracted to the
quality of life unique to the region will ultirnately decide to locate elsewhere. That would
mean fewer jobs available for local residents.
26
$3 billion
tourism
INDUSTRY
CHALLENGING
TERRAIN
and
deteriorating
f aCilities
present obstacles to
moving freight
INVESTING IN SOLUTIONS
Improve Interstate Connections
� vnprove llighw�ay connections throtii�hout the western region to attract
busu�ess to North Carolina through expanded access to economic centers in
Georgia, South Carolina and Teniiessee.
J�Strengthen Highway Connectivity from Mountains to Coast
� Improve U.S. 74 to interstate standards from Asheville to Charlotte and from
�� Charlotte to Wilming�ton t�o in�lpro�-e Creight� movements arld ii1-state access t�o
the Port of Wilmington.
^ Improve Intrastate Connections
�� � Iinprove higl�way connections from the western region to AshevIlle, Charlott�
� and Winston-Salem to support a growing tourism economy and provide
greater access to l�ealthcare services and job training opportunities.
Enhance Industrial Rail to Support Freight and Economic
Growth
�° Provide u�dustrial access to fi-eight rail lines to acco�nmodate expanding
agribusiness and economic developinent needs while fully utilizing our m�ilti-
modal transportation systein.
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
28
COMPREHEIITSI�TE
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Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
29
There are infrastructure needs that transcend regions and
require comprehensive solutions. We must strengthen the
maintenance of our existing roadways, improve public
transportation networks including passenger rail service,
expand bicycle and pedestrian networks and support greater
broadband connectivity. This section of the plan addresses
the importance and challenges of these infrastructure needs,
examines the potential risks of ignoring these concerns and
identifies strategic solutions.
IMPORTANCE
North Carolina is a great place to live, work and visit, and our state continues to see a
significant increase in population and businesses every year. Nearly 10 million people
call Narth Carolina hoine, an increase of 1.5 inillion in less than 10 years. As people
inake decisions about where to move, they often factar in the walkability of the area, local
public transportation options and connectivity to education, healthcare and recreation
options.
/ nearly \
10 million
residents
Otiir state is home to 21 Fortune 1,000 companies, and in 2013, Forbes Magazine ranked
North Carolina the fourth best state in the nation for business. Recent tax code changes
lowering tax rates will help attract even more new Uusinesses to the state. As site selection state in nation for
experts increasingly make decisions based on available anlenities, our state is poised to ��������
be a global economic powerhouse. Malcing the right investlnent in our transportation
network will enhance the quality of life throughout North Carolina.
The many great things that attract people and coinpanies to North Carolina also
contriUute to one of the state's biggest challenges, rapid population growth. In an era
of "hyper-connectivity'; North Carolina needs to be innovative in its approach to
connecting all regions of the state to important economic, education, healthcare and
recreation centers. We must plan for and invest in the infrastructure needed to suppart
the nearly 12.5 million residents expected to call North Carolina home over the next 25
years.
� �
Fortune 1,000
companies
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
COMPREHENSIVE
� � .- -- �-- ,.
CHALLENGES
Overall funding levels for investments in transportation infrastructure are insufficient.
In 2014, metropolitan and rural planning arganizations and NCDOT identified more
than 3,100 projects, totaling $70 billion in infrastructure needs across all modes of
transportation. With $1.5 billion per year in funding available over the next 10 years,
clearly, there is not enough money to suppart all of those needs. The largest portion of
that available funding goes toward highways and bridges. Narth Carolina must hnd a
way to financially support investments in all modes of transportation and be prepared
to address emerging trends, such as fuel efficient/alternative fizel vehicles, autonomous
vehicles, public-private partnerships and light rail systems.
problem
increased
population
infrastructure
gap
decreased
revenue
RISK OF DOING NOTHING
To maintain a competitive advantage, North Carolina must invest in its existing
infrastructure, wliile identifyulg deficiencies where new facilities are needed. Delays
in the delivery of goods and services, inefliciencies in the movement of freight and lost
time due to congestion during daily commutes come at a tremendous cost to the state.
Certainly, there are direct financial considerations such as the $6.5 billion lost by North
Carolina travelers as they drive along roadways that require improvements. However,
the most significant costs to the state will be lost wages, lost jobs, lost revenue and lost
op�ortunities.
Our transportation network is at or beyond its capacity in some of the fastest growing
regions of the state. In our smaller towns and rural counties, facilities are aging and in
need of costly repairs. Inadequate investment in either will overwheim North Carolina
and create an unsafe> inefficient and uninviting environment.
30
North Carolina
m ust
invest
In ItS
INFRASTRUCTURE
our transportation
network
is at or
beyond its
capaCity
in some of the
fastest growing areas
of the STATE
�
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
31
INVESTING IN SOLUTIONS
Strengthen Maintenance of our Existing Facilities
� Evaluate and improve the prioritization system for funding maintenance
� projects to implement an authentic, u�eds-based program.
� As funding solutions are determined> ensure an increased percentage of
revenue directed toward inaintenance.
� Identify opportunities for using public-private partnerships to fund
maintenance needs.
Improve Public Transportation Network including
Passenger Rail
� Expand access to mass transit options in higlrgro�vth areas to accommodate a
changing demographic and address congestion issues.
� Expand access to public transportation options for people in all regions of the
state to acconunodate local transportation needs and enhance the quality of
life throughout the state.
� Expand access to passenger rail options in all regions of the state to
accommodate a changing demographic, address congestion issues and meet
regional transportation needs.
Expand Bicycle and Pedestrian Network State►vide
�� Implement Wallc/Bike NC, the North Carolina Statewide Pedestrian and Bicycle
Plan, enabling the state to become a premier place for walking and bicycling.
� Continue the implementation of the North Carolina Complete Streets Policy
� to make it easier and safer for people to wa1k, bicycle, drive or use public
transportation services.
� Support the completion of statewide and regionally significant bicycle and
pedestrian systems in order to provide transportation options and promote the
"great trails state" brand.
Support Greater Broadband Connectivity through Existing
Right of Way
� Support the expansion of broadband access, using existing right of �vay where
possible, to establish the foundation for connectivity required for intelligent
transportation systems, support the growth of high-tech Uusinesses, expand
access to educational opportunities, and enhance global business connectivity.
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
INVESTING
IN
32
I �'�;•,
. „L z � ��
� -f .
� , . r':.';
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
IMPORTANCE
33
With STI's data-driven prioritization process increasing our
ef�iciency in using Highway Trust Fund money to program
close to 370 projects over the next 10 years, and a vision that
maps our future and guides infrastructure investments over the
next 25 years, we must now focus on investing in our vision.
Narth Carolina is rated number five by CNBC's Ainerica's Top States for Businesses 2014
We are consistently ranked among the best business climates in the nation by Forbes,
CNBC, and Chief Executive and Site Selection magazines. Our low cost of living and
high quality of life make North Carolina a magnet for recruiting and keeping a talented
workforce. Currently, we are ranked number one in the southeast for manufacturing
employment, and ninth overall in the United States. North Carolina is home to a
58-cainpus community college system, nationally recognized for its customized
workforce training programs. Our 16-campus renowned university system is integral to
North Carolina's strong research and development infrastructure and one of the most
varied biotech sectors in the nation.
Because infiastructure is the backbone of North Carolina's economy, we cannot afford to
let our system deteriorate, and we inust build to anticipate future growth.
CHALLENGES
Already, North Carolina residents are paying out of pocket for insufficient transportation
infrastructure in congestion costs ($2 billion), vehicle operating costs ($1.8 billion)
and safety-related expenses> which equal approximately $639.95 per taxpaying citizen.
Costs for improvements on aging infrastructure are increasing rapidly, with Interstate
95 improvements alone projected to cost $4.5 billion. Industries along the coast, sudz
as commercial fishing, are already being diverted to cornpetitor ports due to inadequate
maintenance of shallow draft shipping channels. Older structures along the coast created
a dangerous situation when residents were isolated from essential services during the
Bonner Bridge closure in 2013. In addition, residents and travelers are at an increased
safety risk as 13 percent of all traffic fatalities involve bicyclists and pedestrians.
At 80,000 miles, North Carolina maintains the second largest highway system in the
nation. The state also inaintains the second largest ferry systein in the nation; 3,345 miles
of rail lines; the Ports of Morehead City and Wilmington; the Charlotte and Piedmont
Triad Inland Terminals; and the Global TransPark. In addition, North Carolina supports
stimulate
job growth
and generate an overal
posiiive
ECONOMIC
IMPACT
one of the mOSt
varied bioteCh
S@CtOI'S in the
United States
ranked
in the southeast
for manufacturing
employment
r�.�
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future
INVESTING IN
72 publicly owned airparts, 99 public transit systems, and more than 5,000 miles of
planned bicycle and pedestrian routes throughout the state. Maintaining and growing
these iuvestments is critical to our state's continued success.
Future discussions about transportation funding will focus on the role of the state in
supporting the costs of maintaining and Uuilding transportation infrastructure—Should
there be a fee for service utility? Or, should there be a public service supported by taxes?
More than 12.5 inillion people are projected to reside in North Carolina Uy 2040, and
finding additional revenue to support our transportation needs will not be a simple task.
North Carolina provides a strategic transportation and logistics connection to markets
throughout the region, nation and world. Historically, our transportation investments
focused on building infrastructure that connected producers to markets. This Uasic
principle still holds. However, today, producers and markets look different and are
located u1 different areas of the state than in the past In the world of geopolitics, our
military installations continue to use facilities that allow them to deploy troops via
land, sea aiid air. The freight industry continues to ship products up and down the east
coast using deteriorating facilities like I-85/I-95. Tourists regularly overwhelm local
transportation systeins during peak seasons. We must support these industries through
the maintenance and expansion of our transpartation network.
RISK OF DOING NOTHING
If North Carolina does not reinvest in its transportation infrastructure and revisit how
we generate revenue to build new infrastructure, our transportation network will Uecoine
inef�icient, unreliable and unsafe. As increased congestion limits access to essential
services, creates hardships for businesses dependent on reliable movement of goods
and services, and crash and fatality rates increase due to deficient facilities, businesses
will dzoose to move to or locate in other states, taking jobs and economic developrnent
opportunities with thein.
As infrastructure investinents cease to address the needs of our growing population,
industries will face great challenges. Agricultural businesses may not be able to grow
and respond to changes in g1oUa1 demands for their products and services. Military
installations will not be able to effectively deploy troops when needed. Tourist
destinations may be increasingly difficult to reach, and vacationers will stop traveling to
our most popular sites.
If we do not increase our investments in support of existing and needed infrastructure,
North Carolina will fail to thrive.
34
MAINTAINING
a n d GROWING
these investments is
rrr��l�:a� to our
state's CONTINUED
Vision for North Carolina: Mapping Our Future 35
ALTERNATIVE FUNDING SOLUTIONS
P�Optimize Public-Private Partnerships
� Optimize the use of public-private partnerships, innovative managed lanes and
other fee-for-service projects.
SUCCeSS. $ Reduce Dependency on Federal Dollars
� Reduce our dependency on federal dollars in preparation for a potential reduction
in the federal transpartation budget.
SUPPORT these
industries through
the maintenance
and expansion of our
transportation
network
� Take Advantage of Low Interest Rates
I � Take advantage of historically low interest rates to enhance our ability to fund
projects with just-in-time bond strategies.
Present Revenue Recommendations
� Present targeted revenue recominendations to the General Assembly for its
action during the 20151egislative session.
VISION FOR NORTH CAROLINA:
MAPPING OUR FUTURE
With a new data-driven law and strategic focus through this 25-year
vision, North Carolina is poised to be a global economic leader by
using our transportation network to create jobs, grow the economy
and improve the quality of life for all of our citizens.
� `a
� ���
� _.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
GOVERNOR PAT McCRORY
�.
or aro � na
DEPARTMENT OF TRAN�POI�TATI�N.
NCVision25.gov
ImplementingVisionC�ncdot.gov
North Carolina Department of Transportation
1 South Wilmington Street
Raleigh, NG 27601