Are Local Democrats Endorsing Cronyism in Transportation Funding?

Democrat parties’ misguided attack exposes lack of understanding of transportation funding

Today, State Representative Frank Iler (R-Brunswick) responded to a joint press release issued by the Brunswick County Democrat Party and the New Hanover County Democrat Party.  

“Last week, the Brunswick County and New Hanover County Democrat Parties attacked me in a misleading press release that either demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of transportation funding or, even worse, exposes a desire to return to the days of cronyism and political favoritism in transportation funding,” said Rep. Iler. “North Carolina’s Strategic Transportation Investments law, which I helped co-author, moved North Carolina away from a system in which transportation projects were often decided based on politics to one which is data-driven and reduces the chances of transportation priorities being based on who donated to which campaign. Local leaders, like those at the WMPO, submit projects and provide input on regional and division-level projects. Because the WMPO is now engaged in the prioritization process, they are evaluating multiple ways to submit the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge for consideration in prioritization. It is my sincere hope that the WMPO board members will avoid playing politics with our future and sincerely evaluate all available options to replace this aging bridge with a new one that increases capacity.”