Special to Iredell Free News

The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) has opened the public comment period on an air quality conformity determination and amendments to the 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and the 2020-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the East-West Connector project (U-6239) in Mooresville.

The 30-day public comment period began Thursday and concludes on Sunday, April 19.

Final action to make an air quality conformity determination and approve amendments to the 2045 MTP and the 2020-2029 TIP for the East-West Connector project is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, during the CRTPO Board meeting.

The Town of Mooresville was awarded a federal BUILD grant in November of 2019 to construct the East-West Connector from Langtree Road to N.C. Highway 115.

Action is required by the CRTPO Board because the federal grant is allowing the project to move forward earlier than originally scheduled, and amendments must be made to the CRTPO’s MTP and TIP.

Following CRTPO Board action, CRTPO will request that the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation also make a conformity determination, allowing the project to move forward. Additional information on the air quality conformity determination, and amendments to the 2045 MTP and 2020-2029 TIP for the East-West Connector project can be accessed HERE.

This public comment period offers an opportunity for residents, business owners and other interested parties, within the Charlotte Urbanized Area, which includes Iredell, Mecklenburg and portions of Union County, to submit comments to CRTPO. Comments should be directed to Judy Dellert-O’Keef using the following methods:

♦ E-Mail: jdellert-okeef@charlottenc.gov

♦ Mail: CRTPO, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St., 8th floor, Charlotte, NC 28202

About the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization

CRTPO is the federally-designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Charlotte urbanized area. More information is available on the CRTPO website at www.crtpo.org.