Sunday's Internet Edition, May 11, 2008.
|
As a result, Davidson County will no longer be part of the MPO.
The MPO is an organization that prioritizes road projects for a region and votes on what projects should be planned before being added to the Transportation Improvement Plan list of the N.C. DOT.
Commissioner Billy Joe Kepley has represented the board for some time and has frequently expressed his opposition to the organization’s weighted system. The longtime commissioner is upset that the system gives Winston Salem and Forsyth County officials the majority of the votes.
Recently revising its system, there are a total of 100 votes which are proportioned based on populations. Due to its larger populations, Forsyth County and Winston-Salem have the majority of votes. Davidson County, under the new plan, would only have four votes, while Midway and Wallburg will have one.
“You can be a member and be left out [on a project],” Kepley said. “If they have a majority, then [they] will get their item passed.”
The MPO covers parts of Davie and Stokes counties, as well as all of Forsyth County. It also included the northern part of Davidson County, totaling 17,550 residents. The organization is requesting all county and city governments to sign an agreement by July.
Kepley, Chairman Larry Potts, Larry Allen and Fred McClure voted against the item. Dr. Max Walser, Don Truell and Sam Watford supported the memorandum.
“I don’t like what I see, but I think we need someone at the table,” Walser said.
Before the commissioners voted, Guy Cornman, county planning director, emphasized that it is important for Forsyth and Davidson County to work together when the new N.C. Highway 109 is built. He noted if Davidson County doesn’t have a voice with the MPO, Winston-Salem could have complete control on where the highway will connect with Interstate 40.
“That would be the one project that will be affected,” Cornman said.
In other business:
• Commissioners approved next fiscal year’s health insurance and benefits.
• A contract was awarded to Davie Construction Co. to build the new conference, training and technology building and renovate the Love Learn Resource Center at Davidson County Community College. The construction company captured the bid for the project with just more than $4.1 million.
• R.K. Stewart & Son Inc. won the bid for the construction of the Central-area elementary school. Superintendent Dr. Fred Mock was on hand to discuss the school with commissioners.
• Walser expressed that he was upset concerning a letter Gov. Mike Easley recently sent asking the federal agency overseeing Alcoa’s relicensing request to delay granting another 5-year license for at least another 12 months. The commissioner said the governor was a “bit late” in writing the letter.
Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 231, or ignasiak@tvilletimes.com.