SB 940, titled the 2026 Appropriations Act, allocates state funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support the daily operations of North Carolina state agencies, departments, and institutions. The bill distributes money from the General Fund, the Highway Fund, and the Highway Trust Fund to cover essential services, including transportation maintenance, while also funding federal block grants for health and other programs. It incorporates existing budget rules and applies only to the specific fiscal year unless other laws indicate a longer duration. The legislation becomes effective on July 1, 2026, and includes standard provisions ensuring that any remaining funds revert to their original sources at the end of the year.
This bill authorizes local governments in North Carolina to borrow money to accelerate specific transportation projects that are scheduled for funding under the State Transportation Improvement Program. To access these funds early, localities must sign an expedited agreement with the Department of Transportation that outlines project details, financial forecasts, and a repayment plan. The borrowed money, known as grant anticipation notes, must be repaid solely from the future state or federal grant funds and cannot exceed the total amount of that funding. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Transportation to ensure that any changes to the state's transportation plan do not delay the repayment of these notes.
This bill directs North Carolina's Department of Transportation to create a new method for funding bridge replacements that operates separately from the current Strategic Mobility Formula. To accomplish this, the state will allocate $100,000 in nonrecurring funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support the development of this alternative plan, which must include a prioritization process and a specific revenue source. The department is required to submit its proposed formula and legislative recommendations to various committees by December 1, 2026, and the law takes effect on July 1, 2026.
This bill, titled the Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2026, allocates state funding for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover the daily operations of North Carolina's government agencies, departments, and institutions. It distributes money from various sources, including the General Fund, the State Highway Fund, and the Highway Trust Fund, to support essential services such as transportation maintenance and federal block grant programs. The legislation also incorporates existing budget rules and specifies that its provisions apply only to the 2026-2027 period, with any unused funds reverting to the state at the end of the fiscal year.
This bill establishes the North Carolina Infrastructure Investment Commission to create a long-term, 20-year strategy for improving the state's critical systems like roads, water, and energy. The new commission will consist of ten appointed members led by the State Treasurer, who will develop a comprehensive investment plan focusing on maintenance, modernization, and resilience against severe weather. Once the plan is submitted to various legislative committees and the governor by March 2028, the commission will dissolve, and any funding decisions must still be approved by the General Assembly. The legislation also allocates $300,000 to cover the administrative costs of running the commission starting in fiscal year 2026-2027.
This bill directs the North Carolina Department of Transportation to conduct a study on how well the Strategic Prioritization Funding Plan for Transportation Investments is working. The department must examine why some projects under this plan are delayed and gather input from construction partners and planning groups. By November 1, 2026, the agency will submit a report with its findings and suggestions for improving project delivery to state legislative committees. The bill does not change any laws immediately but requires an evaluation to inform future decisions on transportation funding.
HB 1145 allocates $2.5 million from the Highway Fund to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. These funds are designated to upgrade utilities and street infrastructure at the intersection of Highway 49 and Eastway Drive. The primary goal of this project is to improve pedestrian safety at this specific location. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 257, the 2025 Appropriations Act, allocates funding for North Carolina's state agencies, departments, and institutions for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. It provides budget authority from the General Fund, Highway Fund, and Highway Trust Fund to cover current operations, maintenance, and specific programs like those managed by the Department of Transportation. The bill also includes federal block grant funding for health and human services (DHHS) and other designated programs. This funding measure directly affects all state entities receiving these appropriations and becomes effective July 1, 2025.
HB 927 allocates $31.7 million in state funds to Durham City and County for specific projects in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It provides $30 million for Durham County to upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Research Triangle Park, $500,000 for city park maintenance, and $500,000 for repairing rural roads in Durham County. The bill also funds court system modernization, including $503,481 for eCourts staffing and $500,000 for a legal support center to improve access to justice. Additionally, it requires the Department of Transportation to study road funding criteria for rural areas to ensure equitable project prioritization. These funds directly support Durham residents through enhanced infrastructure, public services, and court efficiency.
This bill allows North Carolina local governments to borrow money to accelerate transportation projects already identified for funding under the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Local governments can issue "grant anticipation notes" to cover project costs before receiving state funds, but notes must mature within 12 months after the project's scheduled completion year (no renewals allowed). Borrowing is capped at the full project cost, requires a special agreement with the DOT outlining project details and repayment plans, and must be repaid solely from state grant funds - without using local tax revenue or pledging the government's credit. The bill also ensures STIP program changes won't delay repayment of these notes.
