One of the key issues to hit the table first could possibly be the "gap funding" for the Turnpike Authority that would be used for the new Triangle Expressway southwest of Raleigh.

 

The state needs $2 billion to finance new roads, bridges and mass transit in coming years, according to the 21st Century Transportation Committee.

 

Department of Transportation experts say Triangle drivers can wait another 50 years for funding to come around for the 540 extension, or they can build a toll road now.

 

The Turnpike Authority is looking to the General Assembly to fill a gap funding of about $20 million and have the toll road open to the public in three years.

 

Traffic congestion around the state is what drove the 21st Century Transportation Committee to search for ways to pay for new roads and bridges.

 

As part of the recommendations, the committee wants local governments to be allowed to raise sales taxes and use that money to finance roads. But with the hike in gas prices, residents say they just want more choices to get around.

 

"I wish I had more options," said one driver.

 

"I hope they'd put in more train systems or something like that," said another.

 

The committee proposes allowing cities to approve a 1/2 cent sales tax to help fund what it calls the Congestion Relief and Intermodal Transportation Fund, to help the state pay for part of a road or mass transit project. This would be the first step in funding for the TTA's rail project.

 

"Our task was to suggest some things short session could do right away, provided the economic conditions are right, to make a difference in transportation between now to the end of the calendar year," said Brad Wilson, committee chair.

 

Lastly, lawmakers discussed a recommendation for a $1 billion bond for roadway and bridge improvements. The committee recommends an oversight committee to oversee the DOT's spending of the bond money.

 

If lawmakers approve the package, voters will decide on the bond issue in November.