Rep. Robert Pittenger
WASHINGTON – As part of the bipartisan effort he is leading to upgrade U.S. 74 into an interstate, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) has officially requested a comprehensive study of all interstate conversion projects completed nationwide within the past five years along with an analysis of the economic impact on surrounding counties.
On March 16th, Congressman Pittenger sent a letter to Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies officially requesting funding for the study be included in appropriations legislation for Fiscal Year 2019. A copy of the letter can be viewed here: https://goo.gl/9fKA9o
“Many Southeastern North Carolina communities have been hit hard by poorly negotiated foreign trade agreements and the loss of traditional industries. Industry is responsive to major road systems and transportation access. As such a new interstate connecting Charlotte’s intermodal, Wilmington’s port, and the workforce in Monroe, Wadesboro, Rockingham, Laurinburg, Lumberton and other neighboring communities would spark economic development throughout the region,” said Congressman Pittenger.
“This study will offer a preview of the potential economic impact an Interstate 74 would have on the communities throughout Southeastern North Carolina.”
Since last fall, Congressman Pittenger has been leading a bipartisan effort to upgrade U.S. 74 into a modern interstate connecting Charlotte, Wilmington, and the challenged communities of southeastern North Carolina. At the time, Congressman Pittenger sent letters to over 400 local communities and community leaders asking for their thoughts on the “Interstate 74” concept. Response has been positive.
“For Scotland County to become competitive, we need Highway 74 to become interstate quality,” said Scotland County Economic Development Director Mark Ward. “Every Request for Information I have completed asks how close the site is to an interstate. Companies are going to locate where their costs are low, and having to drive to another county to get to an interstate drives up their costs.”
Support from hardworking North Carolinians has also been strong. In an “instant poll” conducted by WSOC-TV on November 17th, nearly 80 percent of respondents indicated support for the Interstate 74 concept (http://bit.ly/Interstate74).
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