Sen. Phil Berger visits Wentworth: DMV problems, US 29 upgrades, $2M engineering study for US 220
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Summary
State Senate president pro tem Phil Berger told the Wentworth Town Council on Jan. 6 that DMV backlogs remain under review, outlined transportation work on US 29, and said he located $2 million for an engineering study to address congestion on US 220.
WENTWORTH, N.C. — State Sen. Phil Berger, the Senate president pro tem, spoke to the Wentworth Town Council during its Jan. 6 meeting about several state issues affecting Rockingham County.
Berger described ongoing problems at the Division of Motor Vehicles and noted the state auditor and the governor have taken steps, including a recent commissioner appointment. "It ain't fixed yet, but I think we are making some progress," Berger said as he urged residents with DMV problems to contact his Raleigh office for assistance.
On transportation, Berger said bridge replacement and intersection redesign work on U.S. 29 is proceeding to help qualify the corridor for interstate grade status. He added that one remaining bridge on Business 29 will be replaced and its intersection redesigned with state funds secured for that work.
Berger also described congestion concerns on U.S. 220 in the county’s southern area and said he has helped find $2,000,000 to fund an engineering study so the Department of Transportation can prepare the plans and documents necessary to pursue upgrades through the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). "I was able to, help find $2,000,000 for them to do that engineering study," he told the council.
On the state budget, Berger said North Carolina typically rolls over into the next fiscal year on last year’s numbers when a full budget has not been adopted and that leaders have used targeted "mini‑budgets" in recent years. He described an ongoing dispute between House and Senate leaders over a tax‑reduction trigger that could affect individual income tax rates in the coming year.
Berger closed by encouraging towns to contact his office about potential local bills for the short session and provided his Raleigh contact information and staff resources to help bring local requests forward.
"If you need to speak with me directly, my cell phone number is (336) 932‑9899," Berger said, adding his office also distributes a weekly legislative update he offered to share with local officials.
The council moved on to other agenda business after Berger’s update.
