Republicans in a House committee split on whether to take more control over the state Department of Transportation’s future efforts to build commuter rail across North Carolina. The division occurred on a vote over an amendment to a bill sponsored by Rep. Ric Killian, R-Mecklenburg.
Killian wants to require the General Assembly to approve any federal programs upgrading to commuter tracks, but he’s faced stiff opposition.
The amendment was introduced by Rep. Becky Carney, D-Mecklenburg. Carney’s amendment, which passed 17-15, removed the requirement for legislative approval. Instead, DOT would have to report to and consult with lawmakers on federal rail projects.
To watch CarolinaJournal.tv’s full report on the rail debate, click on the video.
Anthony Greco is an associate editor of Carolina Journal.