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Support for light rail expansion growing in Gaston County

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Gaston County residents appeared to be on board with plans to expand light rail service to the westside.

CATS is currently studying ways to extend the light rail to Gaston County, Lake Norman and Matthews at the same time.

Under the proposed plans, a potential line could extend from Center City along Alleghany Street to connect to Wilkinson Boulevard. A separate plan calls for the line to run along Wilkinson Boulevard for the entire length of the expansion. Both proposals run into Belmont and would come to an end around Park Street.

LYNX light rail train

CATS leaders emphasized the design hasn't been finalized and could even extend farther into Gaston County.

"The end of line will be determined through additional public outreach," Jason Lawrence, a project manager with CATS said. "It's too early to say."

Leaders hope to start the design process for light rail expansion in early 2019. During a packed public hearing Tuesday evening, Lawrence told the standing room-only crowd the project could take 10 to 12 years to build and financing hasn't been identified.
The expansion plan will likely cost billions, and funding could come from local, state and federal levels.

"Any conversation about extending or completing the plan will be a conversation about public funding either in Mecklenburg or Gaston County," Lawrence said.

>> Light rail expansion plans to Matthews face hurdles

Local leaders predict a westside light rail service would be a hit. Charlotte-Douglas International Airport continues to expand, and the River District is poised to bring huge changes to west Mecklenburg County.

Belmont City Manager Adrian Miller said having the rail would be an economic development tool for Wilkinson Boulevard.

"If we are able to get light rail coming into Belmont, that means more transportation choices for us," Miller said. "You're not stuck in traffic on I-85 or Wilkinson Boulevard. We're hopeful we will get it here."

CATS is continuing to collect public comment on the proposals. You can take an online survey to provide feedback at LYNXSystemUpdate.Metroquest.com

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