RALEIGH — The Triangle Transit Authority, having forgone its pursuit of federal funds for a proposed commuter rail system, instead is planning to work with a developer creating businesses near its 12 planned train stations. Private-property advocates wonder whether TTA could seize land because North Carolina law allows eminent domain when “it is useful for the purposes of public transportation.”
After receiving a letter from North Carolina’s two senators signaling the end of serious efforts to securing long-term federal funding for Triangle rail, transit officials say they’ll proceed. And in related news. . .
Senator and former Durham Mayor Wib Gulley announced a change of profession Monday, and fired an unwelcome parting shot.
Further analysis of the new House and Senate maps reveals some interesting twists and scenarios for Democratic or Republican control in Raleigh -- after some litigation.
CHARLOTTE — For the first time in 14 years, the General Assembly has added to the number of the projects to be paid for through the Highway Trust Fund. The largest addition was a $350 million, 28-mile portion of the Fayetteville loop, included at the request of Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, D-Cumberland. The Greenville Southwest Bypass was also designated as an urban loop road. Additional interchanges, bridges, or miles of highway were added to the Raleigh, Greensboro, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem loop projects.
Gov. Easley's planned transfer of highway funds to public transit and "smart" growth plays into the hands of terrorists.
Handicapping the various players in the 2004 governor's race in addition to incumbent, including Moore, Cooper, Perdue, Bowles, Blue, Vinroot, Daughtry, Ballentine, Burr, Hayes, and others.
Some illegal immigrants may now pay resident tuition to attend public universities in California, thanks to legislation signed last year by Gov. Gray Davis and a vote this week by the University of California Board of Regents. In North Carolina, a bill before the Senate would create a commission to study doing the same thing here.
State education leaders may study replacing the use of the SAT and ACT in college admissions with the state's end-of-course tests.
