One of the quieter facts about living in the Marvin and Waxhaw area is how much say these small towns have in decisions that shape the whole region. The I-77 South toll lanes are a good example. The regional transportation board that voted to kill the project in May will vote again on September 23 on whether to revive it, and Waxhaw, Weddington, and Marvin all hold seats at that table. The Charlotte Mercury has the full account of the July 15 meeting. Here is what it means from out here.
- Your towns are voting members. Waxhaw, Weddington, and Marvin each have a delegate on the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, the board deciding this. At the July 15 meeting, Waxhaw Mayor Robert Murray III asked whether anyone was looking for a way to fund the project without the toll lanes.
- The vote is September 23. The board skipped an August vote to give member towns time to talk to their own boards first.
- The state put money behind the question. Under the budget signed July 7, the governments that voted against the project have about 90 days, until roughly October 5, to reverse course. The ones that do not repay the state $64 million spent on design, and see other road money frozen until they do.
- Charlotte is still the biggest voice. The city holds more of the board's weighted votes than any other member, so where Charlotte lands matters most. It says its position is unchanged, though there are talks about "a path forward." Cornelius has already voted to support reviving the lanes.
- Why it matters out here. These are the towns you vote in, and their delegates are about to weigh in on a multibillion-dollar project and a $64 million question. It is worth knowing where yours stands before September 23.
The board meets again August 19. For the full breakdown, including the budget provisions and every town and county's position, read The Charlotte Mercury's coverage.