NCDOT prioritizes $100M for CSX’s planned Carolina Connector

CSX

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has identified $100 million for a planned CSX terminal in Johnston County in a preliminary priority list of state transportation improvements.

The Carolina Connector (CCX) is being planned as a state-of-the-art facility that will create distinct competitive advantages for North Carolina businesses and ports while serving the metro-Raleigh area – one of the south’s largest and fastest growing markets.

CSX has committed $150 million toward the estimated $272 million price tag of the project. The Class 1 said the project is contingent on securing $100 million from North Carolina through the Strategic Transportation Investment Program (STIP).

CCX scored high enough to qualify for the full $100 million requested in the preliminary round of cash allocated for 2018-2027 STIP. The project held the top ranking in all three NCDOT categories: Statewide mobility, regional impact and division needs.

However, the funds are not guaranteed, only ranked. According to NCDOT, from April 18 to June 30, state’s 14 Department of Transportation divisions will hold a series of public meetings to rank local priorities. The local input points will then be combined with the preliminary ranking points and a final list will be released in summer 2016. Once all project scores are finalized, the top-scoring projects will be scheduled based on available funding and other factors, such as the completion of environmental studies and engineering plans. The final STIP is expected to be adopted by the North Carolina Board of Transportation in June 2017.