NCDOT Strategic Transportation Investments Study Recommendation.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Alan Branson and 11 co-sponsors

NCDOT will study STI-prioritized project delivery, identify delays, and recommend changes to STI laws to improve delivery, with a report due by Nov 1, 2026.

Regular Message Received From House

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Purpose and Intent

Direct the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to study the Strategic Prioritization Funding Plan for Transportation Investments (STI) laws, which are part of Article 14B of Chapter 136 of the General Statutes.

The study aims to evaluate how STI-prioritized projects perform in delivery, identify factors that hinder delivery, and recommend legislative (or other) changes to improve project delivery under STI laws.

The Department may engage with planning organizations, the construction industry, and other relevant partners during the study.

Key Provisions and Changes

Section 1 – Study Scope

NCDOT shall:
Assess project delivery performance for projects prioritized under STI.
Identify factors negatively affecting delivery of STI-prioritized projects.
Recommend legislative changes to STI laws (or other changes) to improve delivery.
Provide information or data on any other relevant topics as part of the study.
The Department may consult with planning organizations, the construction industry, and other relevant partners.

Section 2 – Reporting Obligation

Deadline: No later than November 1, 2026.
NCDOT must submit a report detailing the study to:
The chairs of the House Select Committee on North Carolina's Transportation Future.
The chairs of the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee.
The Fiscal Research Division.

Section 3 – Effective Date

The act becomes law upon signature/enactment (effective date tied to when it becomes law).

Who/What is Affected

Primary Entity: North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)

Responsible for conducting the STI-focused study, analyzing delivery performance, and proposing improvements.

Policy Focus: STI (Strategic Prioritization Funding Plan for Transportation Investments) laws (Article 14B, Chapter 136).

Legislative Oversight Bodies: House Select Committee on North Carolina's Transportation Future, Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee, and the Fiscal Research Division (receiving the report).

Stakeholders for Input: Planning organizations, the construction industry, and other relevant partners identified by NCDOT.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Study Initiation: Initiated by this act; authorizes NCDOT to perform an evaluative study.

Consultation: Potential external consultation with planning bodies and industry stakeholders.

Report Due Date: November 1, 2026.

Transmission of Report: Report to specified legislative leadership and the Fiscal Research Division.

Effective Date: The act takes effect upon becoming law.

Potential Impact and Implications

The bill formalizes a targeted assessment of how STI-prioritized transportation projects are delivered and what hinders timely completion.

Outcomes could inform potential legislative amendments to STI laws to streamline processes, improve efficiency, or address identified bottlenecks.

The report could influence future STI project selection, funding allocations, and project delivery protocols through recommended changes.

By engaging stakeholders, the study may incorporate practical industry perspectives to enhance feasibility and implementation of any proposed changes.

If you’d like, I can provide a more concise one-page brief or a side-by-side comparison with current STI provisions to illustrate potential areas of change.

Bill