Secretary Jim Trogdon, P.E.
\nNorth Carolina Department of Transportation
\nOffice of the Secretary
\n1501 Mail Service Center
\nRaleigh, NC 27699-1501
\njhtrogdon@ncdot.gov<\/p>\n
Dear Secretary Trogdon:<\/p>\n
Congratulations on your recent appointment as Transportation Secretary for North
\nCarolina. We are a group of concerned citizens writing to ask you to take a fresh look at the
\nproposed Mid-Currituck Bridge. Our group, No Mid-Currituck Bridge (\u201cNoMCB\u201d), is
\ncomprised of residents and visitors from both the Currituck mainland and the Currituck
\nOuter Banks. We began meeting as a group in 2010 and, since that time, have held
\ncommunity meetings to share information about the proposed bridge, voice our opposition,
\nand construct alternative solutions.<\/p>\n
We write today to ask that you seriously consider a newly developed alternative submitted
\nby our group to your Department in December. This alternative, a summary of which is
\nattached, stems from our in-depth experience as to the true transportation concerns in
\nCurrituck County and the Northern Outer Banks. The solutions we proposed were further
\ndeveloped by transportation expert Walter Kulash, who has over 45 years\u2019 experience in
\ntransportation engineering. We believe the alternative would alleviate traffic congestion
\non NC 12 without the high fiscal and environmental cost of the bridge.<\/p>\n
Recent findings by NCDOT demonstrate that now is the time to consider a new alternative
\nto the bridge. Funding for the bridge, with cost estimates ranging up to $678 million,
\nappears to be in serious doubt. Only $173 million has been set aside from the project from
\nthe STI\u2014leaving the balance to be paid for by tolls. But with DOT\u2019s projections of future
\ntraffic now severely diminished we do not believe that drivers will be willing to pay a toll
\nhigh enough (based on some estimates, as high as $50 for a one-way trip) to make the
\nbridge financially viable. North Carolina\u2019s scarce transportation resources should be more
\nwisely spent.<\/p>\n
As you know, the proposed bridge would cross the fragile and ecologically significant
\nCurrituck Sound, which continues to deteriorate because of development in southeastern
\nVirginia. The Sound has historically been one of the most significant spots for wintering
\nwaterfowl on the east coast, and it is cherished for the recreational opportunities it
\nprovides. The bridge\u2019s construction and use would harm the Sound in an unacceptable
\nmanner.<\/p>\n
In addition to our serious concerns about the environmental impacts of the bridge, we are
\nalso concerned about the effect the bridge would have on the natural resources and
\ncharacter of the Currituck mainland and the Outer Banks. The bridge would induce
\ndevelopment in a way that has not been properly studied and accounted for. In addition to
\ndevelopment, the bridge would also attract more visitors, including day-trippers from
\nsoutheastern Virginia. This increased development and visitation would place an
\nunsustainable strain on the land and natural resources of our small barrier island.<\/p>\n
Our group represents part of the strong opposition to the Mid-Currituck Bridge on both the
\nCurrituck mainland and the Outer Banks. We hope that your department takes the time to
\ntake a thoughtful look at whether this costly and controversial project is truly the best
\nsolution. We urge you to consider our new alternative. We would be happy to meet with
\nyou to further discuss our concerns at your convenience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Secretary Jim Trogdon, P.E. North Carolina Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary 1501 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1501 jhtrogdon@ncdot.gov Dear Secretary Trogdon: Congratulations on your recent appointment as Transportation Secretary for North Carolina. We are a group of … Continue reading