NASHVILLE – The Nash County Board of Commissioners has passed a resolution supporting federal legislation that paves the way for a new interstate running through Rocky Mount from Raleigh to Norfolk, Va.
The commissioners have joined a growing number of local government boards and chambers of commerce in voicing support to transform parts of U.S. 64 into a new interstate to connect manufacturers in North Carolina to the Port of Virginia.
A new interstate also would enhance tourism, allow agribusiness to grow, create economic development opportunities and improve the transportation network, said county board Chairman Fred Belfield, who introduced the supporting resolution at the county’s most recent regular meeting. After discussion at the board’s budget workshop last week, the resolution was approved unanimously.
“This will mean more businesses and safer transportation for Nash County residents,” Belfield said.
The highway would follow existing U.S. 64 from Raleigh to Williamston and U.S. 17 from Williamston to Hampton Roads, Va., upgrading parts of U.S. 64 and U.S. 17 to interstate construction standards. The proposed interstate would be named I-44, I-50 or another two-digit designation.
The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce joined others in a recent lobbying effort to convince congressional leadership that the proposed interstate was crucial to economic growth in North Carolina and Virginia.
The new interstate would bring both manufacturing and retail businesses to Rocky Mount, said Alan Matthews, director of business recruitment at the Chamber.
Shoppers want to get to stores quicker, and having I-95 and another interstate running through Rocky Mount would mean more business opportunities.
“We see this as a real opportunity for economic growth,” he said. “Being at the intersection of two major interstates would be an incredible recruitment tool for businesses. Retailers and consumers are always looking for ways to reduce consumer drive time. Any time you can reduce consumer drive time you increase the consumer spending base.”
The Chamber is moving on three fronts to ensure the project rolls along, said Chamber President Theresa Pinto.
“We met last week with all the chambers along the corridor. Everyone is on board and each chamber is meeting with their board to draft resolutions of support,” Pinto said.
The chamber is also exploring funding possibilities for a economic impact study and identifying key businesses along the corridor willing to partner in promoting the new interstate.
“We’re on an accelerated timeline with the DOT behind us and its focus on connectivity,” Pinto said.
Legislation to make the interstate a reality is making its way through Congress after being introduced last year. Senate Bill 2720, known as the Road Act of 2014, is being reviewed in the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. House Bill 4829, known as the Route to Opportunity and Development Act, has been sent to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Both bills are enjoying the bipartisan support of North Carolina lawmakers. The Senate bill was cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., and then-U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C.. The House bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-1st District, and U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-3rd District. Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican, thanked Butterfield for his work on the bill.
While the bills don’t earmark any specific funds, they would make U.S. 64 and 17 priorities when allocating federal funds for road projects and require any improvements to either road be done at interstate quality. U.S. 64 from Raleigh to Williamston is built to freeway standards, but U.S. 17 from Williamston to Elizabeth City requires upgrades. The bills stipulate the interstate must run through Rocky Mount, Williamston and Elizabeth City.
The recognition of the need for a Raleigh-to-Norfolk highway stretches back to 1991 when the road was set as a priority for future federal highway funding by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act. A preliminary step in the process was taken in 2013 when the N.C. Transportation Department named the stretch of U.S. 64 between I-95 in Rocky Mount and I-440 in Raleigh as Future I-495.
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