By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

HUNTERSVILLE – State and local officials on Thursday outlined a new approach to developing a commuter rail line from Charlotte to the Lake Norman area. They’re now pitching the 25-mile train line as an economic development initiative that would move freight as well as commuters. And they are proposing to create a new regional transit authority that would work across government lines to plan and raise money for the Red Line project. Read the full story

Carroll Gray told members of the Lake Norman Transportation Commission Wednesday night he plans to step down as executive director at year’s end. The 71-year-old Cornelius resident helped launch and lead the regional lobbying group over the past three years. He told DavidsonNews.net he has mixed emotions about the decision, “but I think it’s time to move on.” Read the full story

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

The climate for transit funding will be “tough” over the next few years amid federal and state budget troubles, former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory told members of the Lake Norman Transportation Commission Wednesday. But the good news for area transit advocates, he said, is that few areas of the country are cooperating the way local leaders here are. Read the full story

Lake Norman Transportation Commission Executive Director Carroll Gray told the Cornelius Town Board Monday night a financial plan should be completed by year’s end for the Red Line, the proposed 25-mile commuter rail line from Charlotte to Mooresville. If adopted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, “then the question will be how soon can it be started,” he said. Read more on CorneliusNews.net.

The Metropolitan Transit Commission was in an all-day meeting in Charlotte Wednesday, discussing its long-term strategy for the region’s rail and bus systems amid a bleak funding outlook.  The Charlotte Business Journal reported Wednesday afternoon that the commission was looking at ways of scaling back plans for a light-rail line to the university area of Charlotte and pursuing private funding for a North Commuter Rail Line to Davidson and Mooresville. Read the full story

By ALEX GREGOR
DavidsonNews.net

CHARLOTTE – It could be difficult to shave more costs from the estimated $357 million it will take to build a commuter rail line north of Charlotte, members of the Red Line Task Force were told Wednesday. The group of local officials and transit planners is lobbying for construction of the line, and at a meeting in Charlotte they agreed the project’s fate depends on building cooperation among local government, developers, and other partners, including Norfolk Southern Railroad.

Mount Mourne station site could move to south end of Lowe’s Corp. campus. See below.

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The Lake Norman Transportation Commission (LNTC) will meet Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. The focus of the meeting will be discussion about the proposed Red Line Commuter Rail project from Charlotte to Mooresville.
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Lake Norman Transportation Commission will hold its monthly meeting Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Huntersville Town Hall.
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