Sept. 19. The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution 6-3 to support legislation to allow Mecklenburg County voters to decide on a 1 cent sales tax to address transportation needs in the county.

The preliminary approval means the draft legislation goes to the North Carolina General Assembly for consideration.

If approved, the issue could go before the voters next year. According to Mecklenburg County estimates, the penny sales tax could generate $345 million in one year, $1.9 billion in five years and $19.4 billion in 30 years for transportation projects.

Davidson Maryor Rusty Knox, Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam | Screenshot Rusty Knox Facebook page

Separately, Charlotte City Council voted to purchase tracks from Norfolk Southern for $91 million, clearing the way for the Red Line commuter rail to come to Lake Norman.

Mayors Rusty Knox of Davidson and Woody Washam of Cornelius spoke in favor of taking the next steps toward a new transit tax to bring the Red Line to North Mecklenburg.