North Carolina DOT seeks public input on transportation priorities

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is soliciting opinions from state residents about top transportation priorities in various modes.

The solicitation is part of NCDOT's effort to implement the "Strategic Transportation Investments" law enacted in summer 2013 that overhauls the way the state funds transportation improvements. The law enables NCDOT to make more efficient use of its existing revenues to fund more transportation infrastructure projects, as well as create jobs and help boost the economy, department officials said in a press release.

Strategic Transportation Investments established the Strategic Mobility Formula, which employs a data-driven approach to provide more flexibility in funding transportation improvements at the state, regional and division levels.

In the coming weeks, each of NCDOT's 14 divisions — including the Rail Division — will submit their top transportation priorities to compete for funding under the new formula.

To help determine those priorities, each division is asking local residents to provide their thoughts on which transportation improvements are most important, NCDOT officials said. Projects can involve any mode, including rail, public transit, ferry and aviation.

Each division will host a public open house to obtain feedback on priorities. Written comments must be submitted to NCDOT by Feb. 12.