"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
In February, N.C. Governor Bev Perdue said, "It's my goal to start I-485 by the end of the year and finish soon after that."
What she neglected to say is that if this is to happen, there will be some strings attached. Strings like putting other much-needed road projects on hold and diverting those funds to I-485. These projects include Independence Boulevard, the Monroe By-Pass, and the widening of I-85 North.
Weddington Mayor Nancy Anderson put it very well in saying a plan like this was akin to "robbing Peter to pay Peter."
Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory weighed in by saying, "That's no way to complete a promise; by stealing from one road to service another in the same region."
N.C. Transportation Secretary Gene Conti has told regional transportation planners, "We have no magic pot of money in Raleigh."
Conti did not rule out scrounging up enough money without harming other road projects, but said it would be tough.
The governor made a commitment and asked Conti to try to deliver on it.
Now, is not the time to "try". Now, is the time to make a move. Deliver on what was said and finish I-485.
Because WBTV is "On Your Side," we encourage everyone to "Speak Out" - tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
