Transportation (Airports)

SB 541, the Train Infrastructure Acceleration Act, allocates $1 million in additional state funding for each of seven specific train routes in North Carolina to support engineering studies and feasibility work. The bill directly affects the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), which must use these funds for projects like the Asheville-Salisbury line and the Charlotte-Washington, D.C. corridor, alongside existing routes. Key provisions include requiring annual reports on fund usage and progress by December 1 each year, and appropriating $7 million total from the General Fund. The act focuses on advancing preliminary planning, not construction, to strengthen federal partnerships and secure future rail development. It becomes effective July 1, 2025.

SB 253 allocates $10 million from North Carolina's Highway Fund to the Pitt-Greenville Airport for building a new General Aviation Terminal focused on flood mitigation. This funding directly affects the Pitt-Greenville Airport, enabling it to construct the terminal using nonrecurring state funds. The bill specifies the funds are for a specific project to address flood risks at the airport facility. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2025.

SB 241 appropriates $3.5 million from the General Fund to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the renovation of the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar at Smith Reynolds Airport in Forsyth County. The funds will cover structural repairs, modernization, HVAC upgrades, and infrastructure improvements to the hangar facility. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to submit quarterly reports on fund usage to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee and Fiscal Research Division. This funding directly supports airport operations and maintenance for Forsyth County.

HB 752 establishes two new funds to support transportation infrastructure: a $50 million Rail Fund for railroad upgrades, connections, and equipment, and an Airport Fund for airport capital improvements and flight incentives. The Rail Fund prioritizes projects that boost economic growth, with 60% of annual allocations reserved for matching federal grants and 30% for planning. The Airport Fund limits 80% of funds to capital projects (like runway upgrades), 17% to attract strategic flights, and up to 20% to safety improvements. Both funds require competitive allocation based on projected job creation and economic impact, with annual reports to lawmakers. This bill directly affects rail operators, airports, and industries relying on transportation networks across North Carolina.