News

Governor Bev Perdue announced today she will pursue discretionary grant money included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to use for replacement of the Yadkin River Bridge on I-85 in Davidson and Rowan counties. The project is estimated to cost around $300 million. Gov. Perdue and NCDOT Secretary Gene Conti will work with Sen. Kay Hagan, Rep. Mel Watt and the rest of North Carolina’s Congressional delegation to obtain funding.

The act, signed by President Barack Obama on Tuesday, included $1.5 billion in discretionary grants to be awarded to states for transportation projects. The grants will be awarded on a competitive basis and can range in size from $20 million to $300 million, with not more than 20 percent of the total money allocated to any one state.

“North Carolina must preserve the safety and mobility of important transportation links like the Yadkin River Bridge," said Gov. Perdue. "The large price tag, which has made it hard to fund, makes it a perfect candidate for this additional stimulus grant money.”

Any discretionary grant money received would supplement the $838 million NCDOT is expected to receive through the economic recovery plan, including $735 million for highway and bridge projects and $103 million for projects in other modes, including aviation, bicycle and pedestrian, ferry, public transportation and rail projects.

Gov. Perdue’s administration has been working with communities across the state to determine which transportation projects could be ready most quickly and provide the greatest boost to the state’s economy. Projects selected for funding will benefit communities across North Carolina and help create and sustain jobs.

For more information about stimulus funding for transportation infrastructure improvements in North Carolina, visit www.ncdot.gov.