Opinion
On road funding, something’s gotta give
So long as North Carolina remains an attractive place to live, work, invest, and rear children, highway usage will go up.
News
Holiday travel pain at the pump still 36 cents below national average
Arrival of Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, comes with North Carolinians paying $4.17 for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline and $5.39 for a gallon of diesel. Even at 36 cents better than the national average for traditional transportation energy, it’s an expensive proposition for travel. AAA forecasts travel of at least...
Opinion
Candidates should have talked about roads
During the homestretch of the 2024 election, I complained repeatedly about the absence of serious engagement by presidential and congressional candidates with the critical issue of the national debt. Most said virtually nothing about the eye-popping federal deficits of the past few years, while others claimed that excising “waste, fraud, and abuse” or “making billionaires...
Opinion
Wealthy drivers don’t pay fair share under regressive gas tax
Driving the annual NC average of 16,073 miles, the driver of a 10 MPG truck pays about $650 in gas tax towards state roads, while the EV owner only contributes a $180 registration fee.
Opinion
Sales tax to pay for state roads
When the North Carolina General Assembly enacted its budget revision for the 2022-23 fiscal year, it contained a major change in how the state funds roads. Until now, the system relied overwhelmingly on revenue from taxes on motor fuels, taxes on vehicle sales, and annual vehicle registrations. Unlike many other states, North Carolina doesn’t have...
Opinion
Fiscal Issues Divide GOP
Many conservatives agree that North Carolina’s transportation system has a long-term funding problem. But higher gas taxes aren't the right solution.
Opinion
How to Pay for NC Roads
Over the past decade, the only major category of state spending that has dropped significantly in real terms is highways.
Opinion
Which Way Should We Pay?
On a per-mile basis, North Carolina is in the bottom five states in the nation in funding for highway construction and maintenance.
Opinion
A Raw Deal On Transportation Funds
A new 24-member commission is studying North Carolina transportation needs anew. Its members would be well advised not to put the cart before the horse.
Opinion
Now That’s More Like It
While some NC conservatives spent the past few months arguing for a major change in the state’s motor-fuels tax, certain columnists remained unconvinced.
Opinion
Time to Study Up on Tollways
It looks like the debate over possible toll roads in North Carolina isn't going away anytime soon. Here are some useful resources for studying up on the issue.
