20181598_Att. 49 - Oct and Nov US 70 Corridor Com_20160222

Attachment 49
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QIRECT0�2'S REPOR7
�OR MOI�THS OF OCTOBER, NOUEMB�R 4' DECEMB�R
M. DURW�O� ST�PHENS{}I�, DI�ECTOR
Our calen�dar encfs with se�ccessive halidays: tricPcs and treats of Cictober; grati�ude expressed witi� the
gluttor�y af Thanksgiving; followed by the giitter of lights anti colored paper as Christrnas highlights Decem�er,
Time bends forward as the sofC air of autumn, more tranquil than ti�e record setting sting o�
sumr�er heat e�olves toward the wantery blast of Jan�ary & Febr�dary. I claim no mete�aralogical taler�ts
nor pencha,nt for prognosticating uveath�r trends, but do recall the vu�inter of 1985. Decemt�er, 1984 was
the war�rnest, wettest December ever; but January and Febr�uary, 1985 was the coldest, most bitter
weather in a century with record snowfalls. December, �015 the warmest, wettest Decern�beo- in history.
We anxiously await January and February, 2016 with trepidation.
The long Peg�slative session �f 2�15 encled with the summer and the August/September re�ort
recapped ti�e progress on transportation issues.
Wit� transportatic�n funding deadline loo�ning at U.S. DOS on �cto'ber 30, the house
Trans�orta#ion subcomd-nittee began marking up the Trans�4rtation bill on October 22 incorporating the
Interstate Designatioras we have been seeking tar five (5j years.
As a member af th� Infirastructure/Transportation Subcommittee, Representative Rouzer successfully
gat the le�terstate Designatiar�s introciuced by Representative ButCerfield the last day of the 2Q14 Session
inserted i�to Transportation Bifl.
Bott� Representatives have continued to p�ess for a maJar trarrsportation funding bill in this session.
Se�eral years of sparse�y funded continuing resole�tians has seriausly irnperilec� infrastructure ar7d thwarted
transportation planning.
�ederal Transportation Legislatian followed its normal, predictable course in October. With
funding de�dline looming at Octaber's end, Representative Shuster introduced HR 3819 Surface
Transpartation Act, a skraight short term extensian of transpo�tatian fun�fing � just 7 days before
expiration. In un��sual bipartisan action, the House passed �iR 3819 on Tuesday, October 27. Continuing
to act in bi�arkisan fast�ion, the Senate �assed a Companion Biol, 57574, �he fiollawing day, Wednesday,
October 28. With a fooming deadline that would stop projects anc� ernployment aeross the nation, the
President signed the legislation dnto !aw an Thursday, Octo�er 29.
M. Durwoocl Stephenson
�irector
P.O. Bax 9187 •: Smithfield, NC 27577 .� {919) 934-'f249 •3 Durwaoc�US7Q(c�r�gmail.com

In continuing dialogue with members of our Congressional delegation, key staff personnel and
politicai pundits eager to share their wisdom, the message was mixed. While some predicted a fully
funded Transportation bill by end of October's continuing resolution, most suggested a full
Transportation bill would most likely be enacted in early spring, 2016; many of the political observers
and writers expressed doubt that Transportation Legislation would be possible until after next
Presidential election electing to continue temporary funding via a series of continuing resolutions.
An earlier report noted Environmental Protection Agency's Plan to expand authority over all
bodies of water subjecting them to EPA's stringent permitting requirements. The assumption of
expanded authority was made without following mandated process. The regulation was scheduled to
become effective August 28. In the interim, 13 states won a preliminary injection blocking the EPA from
enforcing additional control. The EPA began attempts to enforce the authority in all otherjurisdictions.
An October ruling in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked EPA's effort to enforce the new authority
in any jurisdiction; a victory for agriculture and commerce.
We express our sincere appreciation to Myles Stempin for his long, effective service to the
Corridor Commission and a warm welcome to Michael Wagoner and Jesse Vinson, newcomers to our
Board of Directors from Carteret County.
On October 26, Congressman G.K. Butterfield announced the City of Wilson was awarded a$ 10
million Infrastructure grant from U.S. DOT's Tiger Grant Fund for infrastructure improvements.
Significant events of note continued in October as FEIS for Havelock Bypass was at long last
approved and signed by FHWA. This represents a major milestone for this project and thanks to so
many of you who worked and responded to every request for "push." A special thank you to Rob
Hanson, Brian Yamamoto and DOT staff for their diligence and persistence in pursuing this approval. As
Corridor Commission Director linda Rouse Sutton said, "this wili benefit the region as a whole."
The good news of October continued with the announcement that Seymour Johnson Air Force
Base was selected as the preferred alternative for the first Reserve — led KC-46A Pegasus. 7he KC-46A's
are expected to begin arriving in 2019, predicting a promising future for growth and expansion at
Seymour Johnson.
In November the focus was centered on a legitimate long-term well-funded Transportation bill.
For the first time in a decade Congress agreed to a long-term transportation bill that will fund highway
and other transit systems for the next tive years.
Initially Congress authorized a six-year bill funded for only 3 years. Congressional leaders
struggled to find dollars to fund transportation rejecting calls for an increase in the gas tax. The gas tax
has been stagnant at 18 cents a gallon since 1993.
Lawmakers on both sides of the isle are keenly aware of the crumbling of our Nation's
infrastructure. Potholes are in every part of every state in the United States; the Interstate 35 Bridge
collapse in Minneapolis killed 13 people, the subway system in Washington has routine fires with a
fatality in a fire in January. Congestion and fatalities in highway crashes have become commonplace.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation officials estimate there is a
700 billion backlog in highway projects to meet capacity, congestion and bridge replacements.

The gas tax is on the decline and now provides only $ 34 billion, but spends approximately $ 50
billion on highway projects. A failure to adequately fund transportation/infrastructure for decades has
created a near crisis situation throughout America.
The administration requested $ 478 billion for transportation/infrastructure. The Flouse
authorized a six year bill totaling $ 325 billion. The Senate approved the six-year bill, but funded only
three years initially.
I had an opportunity to meet with Congressman Rouzer on Thanksgiving Day. He again assured
ine Congress would pass a funded Transportation bill. At thatjuncture, the legislation on the table was
a six-year bill funded for three years.
The Thanksgiving recess gave constituents an opportunity to visit with Congressional
Representatives and Senators to plead their case for adequately funded transportation.
The recess visits home proved beneficial for transportation. Almost immediately upon return to
session; the House, Senate and Administration reached an agreement. The pre-recess transportation six
year, three-year funded transportation became a five-year fully funded 6ill with $ 305 billion over the
next five-years for Highways and transit lines. In addition to the good news funding, the stability and
predicta6ility of the legislation is the most exciting news for the Nation's Transportation agencies in
nearly a decade.
On December 3, as we at the Corridor Commission were sharing lunch, the U.S. House passed
Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST ACT) a fully funded five-year transportation bill. The
legislation provides $ 305 billion over the next five years which will allow State Transportation
Departments to better plan and operate Transportation Improvement system. FAST Act represents a
funding increase for North Carolina of approximately $ 490+ million. Interstate Highway Designation
bills for North Carolina made the final bill.
SEC. 1416. HIGH PRIORITY CORRIDORS
ON NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM
PAR. (a�(13) Raleigh•Norfolk Corridor from Raleigh,
North Carolina, through Rocky Mount,
Williamston, and Elizabeth City, North
Carolina, to Norfolk, Virginia.
PAR. (81) United States Route 117/Interstate Route 795
from Un(ted States Route 70 in Goldsboro,
Wayne County, North Carolina, to Interstate
Route 40 west of Faison, Sampsan County, North Carolina
PAR. (82) United States Route 70 from its intersection
with Interstate Route 40 in Garner,
Wake County, North Carolina, to the
Port at Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina
Later in the evening the Senate passed FAST Act without amendments. The legislation was
signed into law by the President Friday morning.

As noted in an earlier report, Transportation fared well in the 2015 session of N.C. General
Assembly. Their response to Transportation coupled with the good December news from Washington,
will escalate several NCDOT projects. On December 3, the Board of Transportation approved and
released a list of projects to be included in five-year funding cycle.
Approximately five-years ago, together we stepped far out in front of the curve and began a
quest to convert U.S. 70 to an Interstate. That quest now appears to be a real possibility, thanks to a
responsive Congressional clelegation that agreed with the benefits of an Interstate that we espoused.
The designation represents a major step forward in achieving our objective, but we must
continue to advocate and plan to make the dream a reality. In addition to Havelock and Kinston
Bypasses, major upgrades of U.S. 70 in lohnston County (now in planning) with new projects to
Interstate standards from the termination of proposed new Bypass in Kinston to port of Morehead will
be necessary.
The FAST ACT doesn't give us an Interstate, but it does provide an opportunity and is a
foundation for future progress. The new designation signs will give us a mental uplift and expose our
region to new commerce opportunities.
The first of what will be countless challenges for Interstate development has already surfaced:
There is a movement to expand WYSE fork battleground by several thousand acres. The expansion lies
within the path of the favored route for the Kinston Bypass. The Lenoir County Commissioners with the
aid of a large number of landowners have commenced an opposition plan to the expansion.
Undoubtedly other issues and challenges will emerge as we move forward to provide Eastern
North Carolina a much needed boost via an Interstate Highway.
As we continue to express excitement about the new Federal Transportation eill, we must be
aware of countless caveats; some of which are not favorable to our State. As Haywood Daughtry and
Matthew Day reminded us in a recent email regarding future tolling of our Interstates:
"The tolling provision in the bill is an improvised expansion of
existing law. Congress created a pilot project in 1998 that allowed
Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia to add new tolls to Interstate
Highways, but toll expansion in those states have run into political
opposition. Under the new transportation bill, these states will have
only one year to move ahead with plans to add tolls or lose their
slots to other states ready to add tolls to their highways. The new
states then would have three years to complete projects or be
removed from the pilot."
This provision rnay be a death knell for planned improvements along I-95. We ca�
only hope that a failure to expand and improve I-95 will not diminish its significance in Eastern
North Carolina.
The 1000+ page Transportation Bill is filled with major and rninor new icleas, revisions
of past legislation and futuristic opportunities. An Executive Sumrnary of fAST ACT HR 22 is
available upon request.

As noted in my email of December 8, we should individually and collectively
express our appreciation to those in our delegation that showed courage in
supporting the bipartisan Transportation Bill. I have sent letters to all supporters on
behalf of the U.S. 70 Corridor Commission.
Voting YEA:
Senate
Thom Tillis
Richard Burr
House
G.K. Butterfield
Renee Ellmers
David Price
David Rouzer
Robert Pittenger
Patrick McHenry
Mark Meadows
Alma Adams
An official number for the new proposed Interstate along U.S. 70 will be assigned by ASHTO at
May, 2016 meeting. It is anticipated it will be between 40 and 60. However, we plan to proceed to post
signs throughout the region noting Future Interstate. Signs are now being fabricated and should be
availabie by mid-March. At that time, we will begin posting signs. Thanks to Tim Little and lohn Rouse
for ordering the signs and planning for installation prior to Interstate Nos. being assigned. They too are
excited about the prospects and advantages an Interstate provider in their respective districts. We will
be coordinating sign posting events with Commission members and Congressional delegation.
Congratulations are extended to Corridor Commission Director and Wayne County
Commissioners Joe Daughtery, elected as Chairman of Wayne County Board of Commissioners and Bill
Pate, elected as Vice Chairman of Board. Also special salute to Honorable Chuck Allen, now Mayor of
Goldsboro. They all continue to expand their efforts in public service.
More good news from N.C. Ports Authority, reporting a reversai of revenue losses to a$ 6.8
million increase in revenue. As Stephanie Ayers reported to us at December meeting, the improved
revenue results from a decrease in expenses coupled with a 17.2 percent increase in container traffic
over last year. The recent General Assembly awarded the ports for good stewardship with an annual
appropriation of $ 35 million for infrastructure improvements. It is anticipated the positive financial
picture will continue to grow.
As 1 noted in an earlier report and as evidenced by a presentation by Patrick Woodie, President
of N.C. Rural Center, we have a partner and advocate for rural North Carolina. I am attaching a copy of a
Ietter delivered to our N.C. Congressional Delegation. We share a common agenda and serve a
constituency that continues to suffer economically. We are grateful for the support of the N.C. Rural
Center and encourage you to join in support of their efforts and attend their regional briefing sessions
on their Rural Advocacy Agenda when in your area. I will ask President Woodie to give us a schedule of
planned meetings when scheduled and we can post on our website. Together we can/will make a
difference in rural North Carolina.
5

I attended a recent event with Senator Richard Burr. He reminded us of the strong presence
and economic impact of the military in Eastern North Carolina. He aiso noted that North Carolina now
has nearly one million retired veterans, a majority of them in Eastern North Carolina. They bring a
positive work ethic and special job skills that are pertinent in the 215T Century economy. We should
foster this special population accessing and marketing those special job skills to new, innovative
industries.
Don't forget to thank your congressional Delegation that supported FAST ACT and if they did not
— ask why not?
Thank you for your strong advocacy and support in 2015 and let's plan an even bigger 2016.
See you lanuary 21 in Goldsboro.

Gmail - Fwd: NC Congressional Delegation Letter Page 1 of 1
�j� .. � � Durwood Stephenson <[e-mail]>
�,,c,k ,i,
Fwd: NC Congressional Delegation Letter
1 message
Patrick Woodie <[e-mail]>
To: Durwood Stephenson <[e-mail]>
Tue, Nov 3, 2015 at
2:09 PM
Durwood,
Attached is a copy of our letter that will be hand delivered to each NC
member today. My understanding is that votes on amendments will begin
tonight and continue tomorrow morning.
Patrick
Patrick N Woodie
President
@PatrickWoodie
www. ncruralcenter. org
� 4021 Carya Drive
�hT• ftaleic�h, NC 27610
ural 919.250.4314 phone
nter �19.250.4325 fax
ES,.,�g�
� NC Congressional Delegation.pdf
178K
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ilc=aal f45b7a6&view=pt... 1/6/2016

r.sr. i�x�
Grant Godwin
Chair
Patrick N. \t�oodic
i�«..�a�•���
�i�.zso.aiia
�"�,�.�,�•��� �:�i«m��.o�g
dU21 Carya Dcivc
Ralcigh, NC 27GI0
November 3, 2015
The North CarolinT Congressional Delegation
U.S. House ofRepreseutatives
Washington, DC 20515
RE: Transportation Reautl�orization Bill
Dear NC Cougression�l Delegation:
On behalf of the N.C. Rur�l Economic Development Center, I am writing to thank you
for supporting the i��dusion of the Ralcigh-Norfolk Cori•idor fi•om Raleigh tlu•ougli
Rocky Mount, W illiamston and Elizabeth City to Norfolk; US Route 117/Interstatc 795
from I2oute 70 in Goldsboro to Inteist�te 40 west of Faison; aud Route 70 from its
intersection �vith Interstate 40 iu Glrner to the Port at Morel�e�d City identified iu the
bill as Higli Priority Corridors on the National Highway System. It is our uuderstanding
that tlte language is included in H.R. 3763, the Surface Transportation Reautht�rization
and Refor�u Acl 0£2015, as �vell as the Senate amend�uents to H.R. 22, pending before
the House of Represeutetives this week.
Tliank you agaiu for suppoiting the inclusioi� of these critical transpo�tation corridors ou
the National High�vay System. As you consider H.R. 3763 and tlie Senate �mendments
to H.R. 22, the Drive Act, ple�se ensure th�t these North Carolina corridors remain in
the final legislation. We understand that the current extensiou expires November 20 aud
Coiigress is in the pi•ocess of finally re�uthoriziug the Ti•ansportation bill.
The Rural Center recently completed a series of roundtable discussions with rural
leaders across ow� state. All across our state, we consistently heard fiom the public and
private sectors l�ow important it was to improve basic transportation infi�astructure in
orcler ro better facilitate the flow of goods and services into and out of rur�l North
Carolina communities. The desiguation ofthese critical trinsportation linkages as High
Priority Corridors is vital to the economic developmeut competitiveness of communities
and compauies tlu•oughout our state generally and in easteni Nortl� Caroliva specifically.
Agaiu, thank you for supporting these critical iufrastructure investments.
Sincerely,
(\;=��'c(—,ti,,..�� Z,.�Vee-�
Patrick N. Woodie
President