Toll Road Measure Resurfaces, But Comes Up Short

RALEIGH, N.C. — House lawmakers had a change of heart Thursday when leaders gave the North Carolina Turnpike Authority $20 million to help create the state’s first toll road. However, the measure did not pass the Senate.

Earlier, leaders believed they did not have a concensus on the measure, but it re-surfaced and passed as representatives reached the end of the legislative road. Lawmakers are considering holding a special session before May to discuss transportation funding.

That was just one of many last-minute votes taken Thursday night.  Lawmakers also voted on a new law that will crack down on speeders. That bill had seemed dead after a vote Wednesday night.

“We want the roads to be a safer place for people to drive, families to be on, and we know that there have been deaths as a result of excessive speeding that hasn’t been dealt with,” said Rep. Rick Glazier, D-Cumberland.

Lawmakers said the bill closes loopholes that allow speeders to drive away with lenient penalties.

“This is a firm step to make sure that people who drive at excessive rates of speed in this state are stopped,” Glazier said.

Lawmakers also passed a bill that puts tighter environmental restrictions on future landfills. Landfills will no longer be allowed within 200 feet of a stream or within two miles of a state park. The bill kills plans for three proposed landfills down east.