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Commissioners ask MPO to research local sales‑tax option and other funding alternatives for major transportation projects
Summary
After a Wilmington MPO briefing, commissioners asked staff to pursue a white paper exploring a temporary local sales tax and other funding options to accelerate projects including the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, Carolina Bays Parkway and US‑211 widening; opinions on tolls and sales tax were mixed.
Commissioners on Sept. 2 discussed a request from the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for local boards to consider alternative funding methods for major regional projects. The MPO’s subcommittee is exploring options such as tolling and a temporary local option sales tax referendum that would dedicate revenue to transportation projects in participating counties.
Commissioner remarks emphasized a need for more data before the board takes any position. The alternatives discussed included (1) tolling the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, which some residents and commissioners oppose, and (2) a temporary one‑cent local sales tax that would be ballot‑approved and dedicated to a set of projects until they’re funded and completed. Commissioners raised governance concerns, distribution equity across county zones, the likelihood that tourists would contribute significantly to revenue, and the risk that a temporary tax could effectively become permanent if renewed.
The board did not adopt any legislative request at the meeting but directed staff to request a white paper and additional analysis from MPO staff showing revenue estimates, distribution mechanics, legal/governance structures (potentially a multi‑county authority), and legislative steps required to place a referendum on the ballot. Commissioners signaled varying comfort levels — some opposed adding to sales tax while others said further study was warranted so voters could decide.
Next steps are to ask the MPO for the white paper and return with data that would permit the board and the public to compare options and consider whether to advance legislation or a referendum.
