Repeal STI Cap on Light Rail/Fund Rail Safety.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Gale Adcock and 4 co-sponsors

Repeals the STI funding cap for light rail and commuter rail and allocates a $1,000,000 one-time safety funding for the CATS Blue Lynx line.

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Title and Purpose

SB 952, filed April 30, 2026, is a bill in the North Carolina General Assembly titled “Repeal STI Cap on Light Rail/Fund Rail Safety.” The primary goals are:
- to repeal the state funding cap (STI cap) on light rail projects, and
- to appropriate funds for safety and security on the CATS Blue Lynx light rail line (Charlotte area).

Key Provisions

Repeal of STI Funding Cap on Light Rail and Related Projects

The bill modifies definitions under G.S. 136-189.10 related to “Division needs projects” and “Regional impact projects.”
It narrows or removes the cap language that currently limits state funding for commuter rail and light rail projects to a maximum percentage of regional allocations or total project costs.
Specifically, the sub-subdivision provisions that cap state funding at the lesser of 10% of the region’s allocation or 10% of estimated total project costs are repealed or otherwise altered, effectively removing the statutory ceiling on state funding for light rail and commuter rail projects within the affected section.
The text notes that the State would not be responsible for costs beyond any maximum established in the repealed or amended provisions, and that any funding agreement must include the new limitations.

Repeal of Related D1 Provision

G.S. 136-189.11(d1) is repealed. This section previously described specific funding or programmatic constraints related to the STI cap and project funding priorities.

Targeted Safety and Security Funding for CATS Blue Lynx

An appropriation of $1,000,000 (nonrecurring) from the Highway Fund to the Department of Transportation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
The funds are allocated specifically for safety and security improvements on the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Blue Lynx rail line.

Fiscal and Timeline Details

Appropriation: $1,000,000 (nonrecurring) from the Highway Fund for 2026-2027 to DOT for CATS Blue Lynx safety and security.

Effective Date: July 1, 2026.

Budget Impact: The repeal of the STI cap removes a funding ceiling for light rail projects, potentially enabling greater state funding for such projects in the future (subject to other budgetary constraints and statutory limits). The explicit additional appropriation enhances security/safety investments on the Blue Lynx line in the near term.

Who or What Is Affected

Light Rail Projects: State funding limits for light rail projects (and commuter rail) are repealed or loosened, potentially increasing eligibility for state support beyond prior caps.

CATS Blue Lynx Line: Direct safety and security enhancements funded by the $1 million nonrecurring appropriation.

State Funding Mechanics: Repeal of G.S. 136-189.11(d1) and adjustments to G.S. 136-189.10 definitions may alter how regional allocations and maximum funding percentages are calculated for rail projects.

Notable Points

The bill targets both the cap repeal and a dedicated safety funding line.

It contains a clear, single-year safety appropriation, with a future-facing policy change that could influence rail financing governance.

This summary presents the bill’s substantive changes and likely practical effects for readers seeking to understand its purpose and impact.

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