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7 <br /> funded from channelization and safety funds. <br /> Jacobs noted that NCDOT has indicated they will not accept funds <br /> from a developer for a signal for a particular intersection to be <br /> installed at the time indicated by NCDOT. Watkins confirmed that that <br /> was NCDOT policy and cited the liabilities involved. Watkins indicated <br /> that NCDOT desires full control of a given intersection, and that NCDOT <br /> has been able to fund these improvements in a reasonable period of time <br /> when warrants have been satisfied. <br /> Jacobs expressed concern about the public bearing the costs <br /> warranted by the actions of the private sector. Watkins noted that <br /> funding is based on user fees. <br /> Jacobs noted that the Town of Hillsborough recommended the <br /> widening of US 70 and that the County had recommended that the project <br /> be phased to provide 200 units within a 2 .5-5 year period and asked <br /> where improvements to US 70 are on the highway improvements program. <br /> Watkins responded that US 70 was not listed on the highway improvements <br /> program at this time adding that he did not know when the Board of <br /> Transportation would add it to the TIP. He noted the TIP is updated <br /> every year. Each community presents its requests based on the needs of <br /> the community and prioritized and presented in a unified manner. <br /> Commissioner Walker inquired if the Board of Transportation set <br /> certain use levels before roads are improved through the program. <br /> Watkins responded that the highway program is based on the competition <br /> between projects throughout the state and that projects are considered <br /> on a state wide basis. He added there is no magic date. <br /> Commissioner Marshall emphasized that this situation poses <br /> difficulty for local decision makers in making public health, safety <br /> and welfare decisions and anticipating needs. She added that NCDOT <br /> waits until there is a need or a problem created, while the local <br /> governing board is trying to avoid the problem. Watkins indicated that <br /> NCDOT needs to stay within the physical constraints of recognized <br /> needs. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit addressed the process, needs, the TIP and <br /> funding. He noted that service levels are deteriorating while funding <br /> is years off adding that there is a shortfall in the status of the <br /> highway fund. He added that there is a need to increase the gasoline <br /> tax to meet the needs. He continued that local government needs to do <br /> more to assist in getting roads constructed including the possibility <br /> of participation in funding improvements and in right-of-way <br /> acquisition. He asked what is needed in terms of Scotswood to provide <br /> for the highest level of service needed balanced with the equity <br /> question. He inquired what the ultimate cross-section of US 70 should <br /> be. <br /> Watkins responded that the ultimate cross-section for US 70 is <br /> five lanes including a center turn lane and curb and gutter or, if the <br /> right-of way is provided, without curb and gutter. He added that NCDOT <br /> would concentrate on the left turn lane only at critical intersections. <br /> He noted that it would cost approximately $750, 000 per mile to five <br /> lane US 70. <br />