Do N.C. Turnpike Authority projects go through the Merger Process?
The answer to this question has not been resolved as of early 2006. The USACE and other agencies have been meeting with NCTA representatives to discuss their participation in the Merger Process for their identified candidate projects. Several Merger projects that were in the process have been ‘removed’ by the NCTA for candidate turnpike projects (e.g., Gastonia Garden Parkway, Monroe Bypass, and Currituck Sound Area Transportation Study). • Does the August 2005 transportation bill (SAFTEA-LU) affect the Merger Process? The new transportation bill may affect certain aspects of the Merger Process. Section 6009(a) of the bill addresses “de minimus” impacts to Section 4(f) properties. Other changes to the Merger Process may develop, as certain requirements in the transportation bill are further evaluated by FHWA and other agencies. Generally, many improvements in planning, environmental issues, streamlining, etc., identified in the new transportation bill are reflective of a ” Merger-type”
