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HB 221

Bighorn and domestic sheep relocation-effective date repeal.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Bear and 5 co-sponsors

Allows Tabor City to join railroad revitalization programs and provide non-federal matching funds (state or town) with a 10% local cap, enabling rail upgrades.

S COW:Failed 11-19-1-0-0
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Bill Summary · HB 221

Summary — HB 221 (2025): Tabor City / Railroad Revitalization Project (North Carolina)

Purpose

HB 221 authorizes the Town of Tabor City (Columbus County) to participate in state and federal railroad revitalization programs and to provide required non‑federal matching funds. The statute is intended to enable Tabor City to secure, match, and manage investments that preserve or improve rail service to the town.

Key provisions

  • Authorizes the Town of Tabor City to participate in railroad revitalization programs authorized by Article 2D of Chapter 136 of the North Carolina General Statutes.
  • Allows the Town to enter into contracts with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to provide non‑federal matching funds for railroad revitalization projects.
  • Permits the non‑federal match to be composed of:
    • State funds distributed under G.S. 136‑44.38, and/or
    • Town funds.
  • Authorizes the Town, subject to G.S. 160A‑209(d), to levy local property taxes to fund railroad revitalization projects.
  • Caps Town funds for any project at no more than 10% of total project costs.
  • Limits application of the act to the Town of Tabor City only.
  • Effective upon becoming law.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Town of Tabor City (local government officials, municipal budget).
  • Secondary: Columbus County taxpayers (if local property taxes are levied), NCDOT (as contracting partner), and rail users/adjacent businesses who could benefit from maintained or improved rail service.
  • No statewide mandate — this is a local enabling act applicable only to Tabor City.

Fiscal and operational impact

  • Local fiscal exposure is limited by the 10% cap on Town contributions per project, reducing the municipality’s required share of total project cost.
  • Use of State funds under G.S. 136‑44.38 could leverage additional investment without requiring large local outlays, but projects may still require local budget decisions (including potential property tax levies) subject to statutory limits and any procedural constraints in G.S. 160A‑209(d).
  • Potential benefits include improved rail infrastructure, economic development opportunities, and continuity of freight/service connections; potential costs are limited local matching payments and any tax implications.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Bill applied only to Tabor City.
  • Legislative actions indicate the bill was enacted (enrolled, delivered to the governor) during spring 2025; the act takes effect when it becomes law (effective date: upon enactment).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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