In June 2014, a significant public-private partnership was forged in North Carolina as the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and I-77 Mobility Partners finalized a Comprehensive Agreement. This agreement marked the inception of the I-77 Express Lanes project, with I-77 Mobility Partners, a limited liability corporation established by Cintra, taking the helm. This landmark deal was North Carolina’s first foray into utilizing a public-private partnership to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain crucial highway infrastructure.
However, the ambitious I-77 Express Lanes project and the contract with I-77 Mobility Partners sparked concerns among local residents and leaders. In response to these voices, NCDOT took a proactive step by engaging Mercator Advisors LLC, an independent consultant, to conduct a thorough review of the contract and the project’s multifaceted aspects.
Mercator Advisors embarked on an in-depth analysis, and on August 10, 2017, they released a draft report to the public, inviting feedback and ensuring transparency. The public actively participated in this review process, providing valuable input through NCDOT’s website and email channels.
Building upon the public’s feedback and their expert analysis, Mercator Advisors issued their final report on September 19, 2017. This comprehensive report, acting as an addendum to the draft, addressed public comments and concerns, offering NCDOT a range of options and a detailed assessment of each, aiming to navigate the path forward for the I-77 Mobility Partners contract and the I-77 Express Lanes project.
Both the draft and final reports, alongside supplementary documents and presentations related to the review, are accessible on the NCDOT website, ensuring all stakeholders can stay informed. NCDOT continues to welcome public feedback, maintaining open communication channels regarding the project.
Delving into the Contract Review Scope
The review conducted by Mercator Advisors was comprehensive, covering critical areas to ensure a balanced and informed perspective on the partnership with I-77 Mobility Partners. Their scope of work included:
- Risk Allocation Analysis: A detailed analysis of how key project risks were distributed and the potential financial responsibilities assumed by both NCDOT and I-77 Mobility Partners.
- Stakeholder Feedback Review: A thorough examination of comments and suggestions submitted by project stakeholders and the general public, ensuring community voices were considered.
- Policy Option Evaluation: An evaluation of the merits and potential financial implications associated with various policy options related to the contract and project direction.
Further details about Mercator’s scope of work were presented to the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization on April 19, 2017. The final report presentation was delivered on September 19, 2017, providing a clear overview of their findings and recommendations regarding the I-77 Mobility Partners contract.
NCDOT strategically selected Mercator Advisors due to their impartiality and extensive background in transportation finance. Mercator’s lack of prior involvement with the I-77 project ensured an unbiased review. The firm boasts a broad portfolio of financial consulting services for public agencies sponsoring major infrastructure projects and capital assistance programs across federal, state, and local governmental levels.
To facilitate the review process, NCDOT’s Turnpike Authority staff played a crucial role. Being uninvolved in the original contract negotiations with I-77 Mobility Partners, the Turnpike Authority provided essential data and logistical support to Mercator, ensuring the review’s efficiency and effectiveness. The total cost of this independent review amounted to approximately $100,000, underscoring NCDOT’s commitment to due diligence and public accountability in managing the partnership with I-77 Mobility Partners.
I-77 Express Lanes Local Advisory Group: Community Engagement
Recognizing the importance of community input, and acting on recommendations from local leaders, NCDOT established a Local Advisory Group specifically for the I-77 Express Lanes project. This group serves as a platform for local towns, counties, and chambers of commerce along the project corridor to voice their perspectives. Each entity selected a representative to participate, ensuring diverse local interests were included in discussions about the options identified in the Mercator Advisors report regarding the I-77 Mobility Partners project.
The advisory group convened for its inaugural meeting on January 24, 2018, marking the beginning of a collaborative dialogue between NCDOT and local communities.
Past Local Advisory Group Meetings
| Date | Meeting Materials
