Funds for Orphan Roads in Mecklenburg Co.

SB 610 appropriates $5 million from the General Fund and $750,000 from the Highway Fund to fund repairs for Mecklenburg County's "orphan roads" (privately maintained roads used by the public), specifically requiring the North Carolina Department of Transportation to accept Grand Palisades Parkway into the state highway system after upgrades. The bill directly affects residents and schools using the road, including 20 schools with bus routes along it and its role as a potential emergency evacuation route for the Catawba Nuclear Station. Key provisions mandate the state to make necessary improvements to meet highway standards before taking over maintenance. The funding is allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, with the bill effective July 1, 2025.