Federal grant focuses on rural infrastructure needs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Millions in federal dollars are pouring in to rural North Carolina counties for better bridges while people in the Charlotte metro are asked to pay tolls for new roads.

We learned Tuesday details about a massive infrastructure grant focused on replacing Interstate 77’s crumbling bridges, and the city of Hickory is also getting a major upgrade.

However, none of the money is heading to Mecklenburg County where the population is growing at an exponential rate.

Eyewitness News anchor Blaine Tolison questioned the head of the North Carolina Department of Transportation about the decision and why some areas are being left out.

NCDOT Secretary James Trogdon said the state didn't choose rural communities over cities, like Charlotte.

The purpose of BUILD grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation under the current administration is to “rebalance a historical underinvestment in rural areas.”

North Carolina is getting a little over $60 million out of $1.5 billion in federal transportation grants.

Most of the monies will go toward rural projects.

Trogdon said that's how the federal build grant was designed.

"The grant was targeted and gave extra points if it was addressing challenges in rural areas," Trogdon said.

In Hickory, more than $17 million will go toward a bike trail and pedestrian bridge over Highway 321.

There is $23 million for I-77 bridges in 17 rural counties, including Iredell and Alexander counties.

The bond will provide $20 million for a bus transit center in downtown Raleigh.

Charlotte, which is among the fastest growing cities in the country, did not receive grant money.

"We're paying for roads with tolls, why weren't those areas on the list for federal dollars?" Tolison asked Trogdon.

"I don't know all the communities that submitted projects, but we'll work with every community to submit the most competitive projects we can," Trogdon replied.

Trogdon said the Charlotte area is still important and more competitive when applying for state and regional grants.

"It's not a one versus the other,” Trogdon said. “We're using every tool that we can to meet every single need, and we'll continue to do that."

Cox Media Group