Wendell News Outlet

New census data ranks Wake County 7^th in growth in the nation. A sobering statistic. Last year, 38,000 moved to Wake -- approximately 100 people per day. As we speak, there's another family coming down US 1. What's more, the Triangle grew over 30 percent from 2000-2007, and this growth will continue in coming decades. It's time to wake UP! Actions we take or don't now will affect our communities for decades. Now, more than ever, we need bold leadership from local, state and federal elected officials to plan for this growth. Transportation and land use planning are crucial to ensuring we have the best possible quality of life for all to enjoy.

Our quality of life, including good jobs, water and air quality and open space will erode if we fail to plan for ways to move people efficiently. To be a 21^st century metropolitan region and to build our local economy, we must build an interconnected transit system before it is too late. Wake's population is projected to double in just two decades. Road headaches will only worsen if we continue to delay planning and constructing a multi-modal transportation network to move people across the Triangle. The train is leaving the station, and we need to be on it! Miles driven daily by Raleigh citizens alone is well above the national average. What's more, 20% of the housing units in Raleigh have been built in just the last 7 years. These are key signs that we need to coordinate land use and transit needs today. We must act proactively now if we are to avoid the congestion, sprawl and air pollution of urban areas like Atlanta.

Triangle officials of Wake, Durham and Orange Counties created a Special Transit Advisory Commission to plan for a regional transit system because our traffic flows between counties. Local leaders should follow through on the commission's recommendations and not succumb to political influence to weaken the plan. It's time to break the gridlock. We need bold leadership for a visionary transit plan. Transit makes our transportation system more efficient - saving money, saving energy and saving time.

North Carolina needs to commit the resources necessary to build a 21^st century transit system. Transit spending is a tiny percentage of funds committed to road building, and we call upon the General Assembly to significantly increase transit funding for urban areas. North Carolinians strongly support rail for both commuting and between major cities, according to an Elon poll released this week. What's more, the public is willing to help pay for rail.

Voters in last year's municipal elections in Wake County sent a clear message -- they are concerned about growth and expect elected officials to be courageous, visionary leaders. If we want to be a 21^st century capital region, it is time to act now for a regional transit plan.