Charlotte Leaders to Vote on Tax Hike and $91 Million Red Line Rail Project

Charlotte Leaders to Vote on Tax Hike and $91 Million Red Line Rail Project

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a significant move for the city’s transportation future, the Charlotte City Council is set to vote Tuesday night on two key proposals that could reshape commuter travel in the region. This decision comes after 15 years of planning aimed at creating a new rail line that will offer residents an alternative to congested roadways.

Proposed Tax Hike for Funding

Before finalizing the rail project, councilmembers will consider adopting a resolution that seeks to include a one-cent sales tax increase on the 2025 ballot for voters in Mecklenburg County. This tax hike is aimed at funding the proposed Red Line commuter rail project, which would connect Uptown Charlotte to Davidson.

So far, the town of Matthews has been the only municipality in the county to pass a resolution opposing this tax increase, citing that the Red Line will not serve its area.

$91 Million Investment in Rail Project

In addition to the tax resolution, the council will also consider a plan to invest $91 million in the establishment of the Red Line. A substantial portion of this investment includes purchasing land near the future Charlotte Gateway Station for $17 million, intended for the construction of a new platform. The remaining $74 million would go towards acquiring the O-Line from Norfolk Southern, which will serve as the main corridor for the new rail line.

Recently, city officials made adjustments to the project’s plans, opting to end service in Davidson instead of the originally planned Mooresville. However, they have hinted at potential future agreements that could include Mooresville as a stop.

Voices of Support and Opposition

The ongoing discussions have sparked varying opinions among local leaders. Mooresville Mayor Chris Carney publicly opposed the funding plan, indicating that it does not address traffic issues plaguing his town. Conversely, city leaders champion the Red Line as a solution to traffic congestion on I-77, enabling commuters to travel more comfortably while stimulating the local economy at stations along the route.

Councilman Ed Driggs openly supports the initiative, emphasizing the benefits of rail transport. “Rail lines in general take a lot of people out of cars and give them a very high density mode of transportation,” he stated earlier this summer. “This will lead to a more reliable commuting experience for many.”

Upcoming Decision Deadline

City leaders are under a tight timeline, as Norfolk Southern has set a deadline of September 9 to finalize the railroad purchase decision. If the city approves both the rail project and the tax increase, the measure would still require authorization from the state General Assembly before it can appear on the ballot in November 2025.

As the vote approaches, residents remain eager to see how these developments will influence the city’s transportation infrastructure and overall community growth.