Vickie Sawyer

Opponents of the I-77 toll lanes proposal in Charlotte question the N.C. Department of Transportation over perceived unequal treatment compared to other regions that abandoned similar projects. Three local officials requested details on project spending and funding impacts after the $4.3 billion proposal was abandoned, while a state senator introduced legislation requiring Charlotte area governments to repay $64 million in costs.

Monroe leaders are attempting to reverse their decision to halt the I-77 South toll lane project, but a proposed amendment by Senator Vickie Sawyer has sparked controversy by requiring Charlotte and other cities to repay $60 million in design costs. The transportation board is concerned about the financial implications of the stalled project.

A North Carolina state lawmaker is keeping a plan to reclaim tens of millions of dollars from the I-77 South widening project active despite it not being tied to a transportation bill. The decision follows a reversal on the toll plan due to a threat of repaying funds to NCDOT.

Senator Vickie Sawyer proposed an amendment requiring Charlotte to reimburse the state for $60 million in costs related to the I-77 expansion project after the city rescinded its support. Charlotte City Council members Victoria Watlington and Ed Driggs expressed opposing views, with Watlington criticizing the amendment as punitive and Driggs acknowledging potential liability for the city.

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.