Questions

Following are questions that have been asked by Former NC Senator Jeff Tarte, that no one seems to want to provide answers to. Residents should not vote for another government tax until these questions are answered. if any official answers are provided, they will be posted here

1. What are the agreed upon end points of the Redline with Norfolk Southern?
2. What is the date of the last appraisal for the land and rail track comprising the Redline? 
3. What was the value stated in that appraisal? 
4. If there is no appraisal, how was the value and price for the rail line determined?
5. What was the date of the last bids let and proposals received to install the Redline?
6. When were the last detailed costed estimates and budget prepared for the Redline?
7. Who will hold the contract and obligations for the purchase of the O-line?
8. Who will own the property rights for the entire Redline corridor? Are there multiple owners?
9. Will the owners have mineral rights and air rights?
10. Any unique terms, provisions or riders in the Norfolk Southern contract?
11. What are the default and termination provisions within the contract with Norfolk Southern and any lenders?
12. Do RR easements and associated rules transfer with purchase?
13. Who will hold the contract and obligations for the cost of the implementation of the Redline?
14. Are funds being borrowed for Redline purchase? How much, where and rate?
15. What are all the sources and instruments considered for funding the purchase of the Redline?
16. Is TIFIA financing a consideration? Is there a P3 option available?
17. Are there funding options no longer available since the last estimate?
18. What is the date and are there copies available of the last detailed comparative analysis of alternative power sources for the Redline?
19. What will diesel engines do to Charlotte’s Mecklenburg County’s ability to meet their carbon footprint goals?
20. What are CO2 projections along Redline?
21.  Will the Redline, if diesel engines, impact area air quality measures?
22. What are the total amount of monies anticipated to be raised by the additional sales tax?
23. When is the Redline scheduled/estimated to begin installation?
24. What is the soonest and latest the Redline is expected to be operational?
25. What is the total amount collected from the Lake Norman communities for the half cent transit tax increase since 1999?
26. Has that money been escrowed, reserved or was it placed in general funds and used?
27. Why are we collecting tax before a cost is incurred? 
28. Is so, will we accrue the monies and at what interest rate?
29. Does the Redline qualify for federal funding?
30. If so, dollar amount and percentage of the total project cost.
31. What are the requirements for the Redline to qualify for federal funding? Terms?
32. What are the current ridership percentages for the Blueline?
33. How is the Blueline ridership doing against original estimates and current projections?
34. What are the estimated/projected ridership volumes and percentages for the Redline?
35. What percent of the operating cost will be covered by ridership fees?
36. What percentage of operating cost will be required to be covered by subsidies?
37. Where will the funds for these subsidies originate? Approval process?
38. What businesses are currently within 100 yards of each proposed transit stop?
39. What are the dates of the last TOD design around each transit stop?
40. How did TOD development around each Blueline stop do against projections?
41. Can you verify in the toll lane contract with Centra that the Redline has no material or financial restrictions if the Redline is installed? Can we refence page and line numbers in the contract?
42. What is the traffic impact from the Redline at each major street crossing. For example, how does the train impact traffic flow at Sam Furr Road? Options to minimize impact?
43. What is the estimated cost and duration for construction to go over (bridge) or under (tunnel) a road crossing?
44. How does the Redline impact traffic egress and ingress at area schools? For example, what would be the impact for Bailey middle school and Hough High school at the Bailey Road crossing when buses and parents are taking kids to and picking up from school?
45. Where is the transfer point between the Redline and Blueline?
46. What will be the walking distance to change trains and is the path covered?
47. How many parking spaces are available within 100 yards for each transit stop along the Redline?
48. What is the farthest distance anticipated from a parking lot to each transit stops on the Redline?
49. What will be the maximum walking distance from parking lot to transit stop? Ride time including wait for transfer bus?
50. How many feet from Charlotte Douglas International Airport will be the terminus of a rail transit line?
51. Have we reviewed and confirmed that the planned transit stops for the Redline are still valid? If so, what was the date of the last analysis and review?
52. What is the distance from each Redline transit stop to the top 3 closest population centers?
53. Is Charlotte/Mecklenburg County willing to revoke the sales tax and remit all monies collected to date to the LKN municipalities if the Redline is not installed by a date certain?