Lake Norman Chamber, Legislators Look for Alternative to Toll Lanes

CHARLOTTE, NC — “It’s not going to do any good for the region,” said Joel Pfyffer, owner of Prosciutto’s Pizzeria.

Joel Pfyffer owns Prosciutto’s Pizzeria off I-77 in Cornelius. He is one of many Lake Norman area business leaders who has strongly spoken out against the I-77 toll lanes. Now the Lake Norman Chamber is joining the battle to put the breaks on the $650 million project.

“This is a bad plan. It’s a bad plan for business, it’s a bad plan for our community, it’s a bad plan for the citizens living here, and this is something we absolutely have to stop,” said Russell.

Construction has been delayed to early next year. Chamber President Bill Russell says it’s not too late to find an alternate plan.

“One by one we’re seeing more and more of our legislators get on board this project or actually come out against this project. They’re looking at the components of the contract. They’re seeing it doesn’t work,” said Russell.

Charlotte Chamber President Bob Morgan disagrees, saying the widening project has been 10 years in the making.

“The Lake Norman Chamber was a part of the process that led us to a contract being signed by the state of NC. Legislators, local leaders were on board. We’re frankly a bit surprised”,” said Morgan.

“It was a different economic climate in 2012 than it is today. There’s a lot more we can do, there’s other places we can go than tolling 1-77,” said Russell.

“There’s not a viable alternative to bringing relief to the I-77 corridor. This is a 26-mile project,” said Morgan.

Public outrage began after a clause in the contract was revealed that says the state cannot add free lanes on that section of I-77 without paying the Spain-based private developer. There would be a $100 million penalty if the state backs out now.

Senator Jeff Tarte and Representative Charles Jeter hope to make an announcement about a new direction for the widening project by Friday.