State House Approves Comprehensive Department of Transportation Overhaul and Budget

Raleigh, N.C. – The State House approved bipartisan financial reforms and an overhaul of the State Board of Transportation on Wednesday after a State Auditor’s report found the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) exceeded its annual budget by $742 million in 2019.

House Bill 77 addresses concerns raised by State Auditor Beth Wood to increase taxpayer accountability at NCDOT with stronger transparency measures, firm management oversight, and a restructured board with legislative appointees. It also directs annual NCDOT audits by the State Auditor.
 
The legislation balances the department’s budget, modifies cash balance thresholds, and sets a temporary new floor for North Carolina’s gas tax.
 
Under H.B. 77, the new State Board of Transportation will have 20 members, 14 division members appointed by the Governor, and six at-large members appointed by legislative leaders.
 
State House Transportation Committee Co-Chair John Torbett (R-Gaston) released the following statement:
 
“This comprehensive bill addresses needed structural reforms at NCDOT while continuing to deliver transportation projects across our State. The people of North Carolina deserve no less,” said Rep. Torbett.
 
State House Appropriations Committee Co-Chair Chuck McGrady (R-Henderson) released the following statement.
 
“These are critical bipartisan financial reforms to ensure North Carolina’s transportation system can continue to outpace our neighbors and secure a bright future for our State,” said Rep. McGrady.
 
North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) also released a statement:
 
“This General Assembly continues to make responsible budget reforms that fix broken programs and respect the taxpayer dollars sent to Raleigh by working families, ensuring their hard-earned funds are invested properly in our State’s mobility and economic connectivity,” Speaker Moore said.
 
 
###