Every two years, NCDOT planners decide which transportation projects will receive funding -- and when -- during the next seven years.
At a Feb. 13 forum, the NCDOT placed Chapel Hill Transit Authority's request for additional buses near the top of its tentative list for 2004-10. The list will be finalized in 2003. If the town's request remains on the finalized priority list, 80 percent of the cost of added buses will be paid by the federal government, 10 percent by the state and 10 percent by municipal governments.
The 20 extra buses would cost about $3 million, making Chapel Hill's 10 percent total about $300,000. But some local officials are wondering where the town will find the $300,000 given its pending fiscal crisis.
Gov. Mike Easley recently announced that funds would be withheld from the state's municipalities to help cover a state budget shortfall that already has reached $900 million. About $1.04 million will be withheld from Chapel Hill, bringing the town's budget shortfall to $1.4 million.
Mayor Kevin Foy said the budget problem could affect the number of buses Chapel Hill can afford because the town is being forced to cut back on many programs. "Given the current situation, any expenditure is a problem," he said. "(The budget cut) absolutely affects things like public transportation."
Regional Transportation Planner David Bonk also said the funding squeeze could limit the number of new buses Chapel Hill will be able to afford in the next few years.
"I wouldn't say the current budget problems will have no impact," Bonk said. "Funding at the state and local level will be affected, which includes the purchase of new buses."
But Town Manager Cal Horton doesn't think public transportation is in danger because the 10 percent cost for the buses is shared by Chapel Hill, Carrboro and UNC. Horton also said the town has set aside funds for replacing buses. "We set aside moneys in reserve every year to replace buses, and we'll do that when the time comes. I don't anticipate any problems."
Chapel Hill Transportation Director Mary Lou Kuschatka said the town can deal with budget-related delays in securing additional buses because it recently replaced all of its buses. "We recently replaced 14 of our 1990 (model) buses and expanded the fleet by 13, but 10 are still on the assembly line," she said. "That should hold us for a while."
