WakeUP Wake County Applauds Governor Perdue for Signing Transit Bill into Law

For immediate release: Contact:  Karen Rindge, Executive Director, WakeUP Wake County, 828-3833, 637-4271 (M)Date:      August 27, 2009 The Triangle is one major step closer to building a regional mass transit system. Today, WakeUP Wake County and other civic organizations applaud Governor Bev Perdue for signing HB 148, legislation that will allow plans to build a regional public transit system in the Triangle. Gov. Perdue signed the bill into law at a ceremony in the state capitol building at 8:30 am this morning. The new law authorizes referenda in Triangle counties to fund a transit system of expanded bus service and light rail through a half cent sales tax, and authorizes other funding measures for transit. "As the Triangle continues to grow, planning for transportation needs must be a top priority for local leaders. A regional transit system will improve our quality of life, help guide development in ways that will prevent sprawl, improve air quality, create jobs and improve our economy," said Karen Rindge, Executive Director, WakeUP Wake County. "WakeUP Wake County applauds the governor for her support of the transit bill and for signing it into law. Now, the next step will be action at the local level," stated Rindge. WakeUP Wake County also recognizes the important bi-partisan leadership of key Wake legislators Senator Richard Stevens (R-Wake) and Representative Deborah Ross (D-Wake), who were key bill sponsors in the Senate and the House of Representatives. The transit bill also enjoyed the bi-partisan support of other Wake legislators who voted for the bill. WakeUP advocated for the bill along with other organizations that are part of the Capital Area Friends of Transit coalition, an alliance of civic groups, community leaders and citizens. ###