Bill Summaries: H219 (2017-2018 Session)

Tracking:
  • Summary date: Mar 1 2017 - View summary

    Enacts Article 14C, Megaproject Fund, to GS Chapter 136, establishing the Megaproject Fund (Fund) within the Highway Trust Fund. Provides that the Fund consists of revenue from appropriations or transfers by the General Assembly, and requires the amounts deposited in the Fund to be used as provided in Article 14C. Establishes that the provisions of Article 14B of GS Chapter 136 (Strategic Prioritization Funding Plan for Transportation Investments) do not apply to the application of the Fund.

    Directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to use the Fund to fund transportation projects of statewide and regional significance that exceed $200 million in total project cost. Provides that projects will be selected by a workgroup overseen by DOT that will establish selection criteria based on the provisions of Article 14C. 

    Directs DOT to develop and annually update a report containing a completion schedule for all projects funded by the Fund, including the selection criteria and reasoning used for each project, the projects or portions of projects completed during the preceding year, changes in completion schedules and the reasons for the changes, and anticipated schedules for future projects. Requires submission of the report and annual updates to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee by November 1 of each year. 

    Amends GS 136-189.11(b), which sets out funds excluded from the Transportation Investment Strategy Formula, to exclude funds appropriated or transferred to the Megaproject Fund under Article 14C from the Strategy Formula.

    Effective July 1, 2017.

    Directs DOT to establish a workgroup for developing selection criteria and selecting projects in accordance with GS 136-189.13, as enacted by this act, within 30 days of the effective date of this act. Sets forth six parameters for the megaproject selection criteria. Establishes that DOT is to select members of the workgroup consisting of seven members representing organizations as specified. Designates the workgroup's cochairs and sets parameters for the workgroup's meetings. Requires the workgroup to report to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee (Committee) within 45 days from the date the workgroup is convened on its progress in creating project selection criteria. Requires the workgroup to report to the Committee on the selection criteria created by the workgroup prior to the end of the three-month period from the date the workgroup is convened.