Threats for payback due to I-77 South local vote ‘dangerous precedent’: Altman
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Organization’s decision to end support for the Interstate 77 South toll lane project remains despite a push to reopen the discussion at its meeting on Wednesday, and a state lawmaker’s threat of retribution.
Leigh Altman, Mecklenburg County Commissioner and a CRTPO member, said she remains convinced that proposed legislation by state Sen. Vickie Sawyer to make municipalities pay back the sunk costs of the project was “unconstrained by law.”
“It sets a very dangerous precedent what has been attempted here,” she said at Wednesday’s meeting. “This legislation proposes to retroactively punish lawful conduct by putting us all in the position of having financial liabilities for our constituents and the taxpayer for actions that were lawful when they were undertaken.”
She added it also sets a terrible precedent that strips officials of their abilities to reject a NCDOT project once plans are made public and residents voice discontent.
Altman said the community should be allowed time for an alternative analysis that can review what was proposed by NCDOT.
“I don’t see why in this interim period when we are trying to do our due diligence and build consensus, that any rash actions need to be taken,” she said.
The proposed legislation by Sawyer has also drawn blowback from other members of the legislature.
State Rep. Laura Budd, a Democrat representing Mecklenburg County, said she opposes any attempt to punish municipalities for voting to rescind support for the project.
“If we are committed to building and preserving the public’s trust in us as representatives of the State, elected or appointed, we must reject efforts to punish local governments for exercising their democratic authority,” Budd said in a statement. “Leadership requires us to defend the integrity of our democratic institutions, even if one disagrees with the decisions they produce.”
And on Wednesday, Gov. Josh Stein said “threats are very rarely an effective way to get to a desired outcome.”
I just hope that we can work together constructively to address this issue in a way that makes sense, that makes sure that travel is safe and at the same time that the neighborhoods are protected... I want there to be rational, smart investments in infrastructure for transportation here in Mecklenburg County … I’m just hopeful that the broader community in Charlotte can come together around a plan that makes sense.”
Council member says more time needed to find alternatives
Ed Driggs, Charlotte City Council member and CRTPO Board member, said while some could feel threatened by the proposed amendment, it did give until January before the project was decidedly killed.
“The position I’m taking tonight is that I would hope that (the state) can give us until January and that we will have the opportunity to respond to the issues that have been raised by the opponents of this project,” he told the Observer.
Driggs added a study should be conducted to review all possible solutions to addressing congestion and community concerns. But he cautioned against making more moves that could draw the ire of the General Assembly.
“We need to tread very carefully here in terms of pressuring the state to respond to criticism and opposition but not then end the entire conversation,” Driggs said.
But time may be dwindling on any further actions to reverse the decision made.
Tony Lathrop, a CRTPO member and chairman of the North Carolina Board of Transportation, said absent any legislation or significant change his board is set to discuss removing the project from the STIP in July. The board will then vote on removing the project on August 8.
This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 10:46 AM.
