Jim Bensman, Cornelius Town Commissioner and member of the LNBTC, is leading an effort to analyze all direct and related costs pertaining to the construction of the North Commuter Rail Line from Charlotte to Mt. Mourne. Once a full understanding of costs is attained, efforts will be made to either reduce costs or find creative ways to reduce costs through public and private partnerships.

Recent CATS estimates for construction of the 25 mile rail line, using Norfolk-Southern tracks, were pegged at $358 million if build over the next two years. Bensman believes this number could be substantially reduced by ‘value engineering’ or eliminating elective items or ‘frills’. “No doubt we could run a train to Charlotte for less than $358 million,” Bensman said.

The MTC, transit governing board, has strongly indicated that current revenues from the dedicated half cent sales tax will be allocated to constructing the Northeast line from Charlotte to UNCC.