Group against I-77 tolls takes action against governor

CHARLOTTE — Channel 9 got a first look Thursday at a yard sign and flyer made by a group of local business leaders strongly opposed to toll lanes on Interstate 77 from Charlotte to Mooresville.

This extra push comes after a bankruptcy filing by I-77 Mobility Partners sister project in Texas.

The yard sign reads, “McCrory = Tolls. Send a message to Raleigh. Brawley for Governor.” The flyer has a similar message. The group, I-77 Business Plan plans to print approximately 15,000 copes by Saturday and then distribute the flyers throughout communities.

I-77 Business Plan hopes this simple message to Gov. Pat McCrory will be the push they need and want to break the contract with I-77 Mobility Partners.

“Both Roy Cooper and Gov. McCrory need to know that this is a major issue and will have significant impact in November,” said John Hettwer, leader of I-77 Business Plan.

McCrory said he’s sending his transportation secretary to Texas on Monday for discussions with parent company Cintra after the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on its sister project on State Highway 130 in Texas.

Cintra maintains the bankruptcy filing won’t affect the project on Interstate 77.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation also tried to calm fears by saying I-77 Mobility Partner’s contract protects taxpayers from financial loses.

Still, not everyone is convinced that's true.

"We feel that it does leave us on the hook," said Bill Russell, president of Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce.

Russell told Channel 9 for a while now he and other local leaders have been meeting weekly in hopes of coming up with alternative solutions to this contract.

"The cheapest day to stop this contract is today," said Hettwer. "The next cheapest day is tomorrow."

Cox Media Group