Draft legislation could force Charlotte to repay millions for dead I-77 project

Republican state Sen. Vickie Sawyer is pushing draft legislation to require Charlotte and county municipalities to reimburse the state for $60 million spent on the canceled I-77 toll lane project. The city council and regional transportation board previously withdrew support, leading to $700 million in lost funding, and the bill includes clauses for repayment, third-party cost assessments, and withholding future aid until funds are repaid.