Local leaders in towns set to vote on the I-77 South Express Lanes project are requesting financial transparency from state officials regarding potential penalties.

Under North Carolina state budget rules, any city or town that votes to cancel the toll lane project must reimburse the North Carolina Department of Transportation for funds already spent on development.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Regional Transportation Planning Organization is scheduled to vote on the project on Sept. 23.

If the board votes to revive the project, municipalities will not owe any money, but local officials say the exact cost of canceling remains unclear.

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Unofficial payback estimates discussed in recent weeks have ranged from $60 million to $80 million, though state transportation officials have not yet confirmed an official total.

Matthews Mayor John Higdon confirmed that his town plans to vote against the toll lane proposal during the upcoming meeting.

Because a vote against the project could trigger repayment obligations if the project is canceled, Higdon emphasized that municipal leaders require exact financial details before casting their ballots.

Higdon called on state transportation officials to provide a clear accounting of the potential costs.

"We need to know what the number is," Higdon said. "We certainly deserve a breakdown on that. What are we being asked to pay back? And we haven't received it."

In response to inquiries, the NCDOT stated that a final payback figure has not been determined because officials are still processing and paying invoices for work performed on the project.

State officials noted in an email that they intend to provide detailed cost information to the planning board before the vote.

Stephen Rosenburgh, a member of the North Carolina Board of Transportation, addressed the ongoing negotiations between state and local leaders.

Rosenburgh expressed hope that officials can reach a resolution before any financial penalties are enforced.

Rosenburgh highlighted the department's efforts to work alongside local municipalities to resolve the issue.

"I think the department has tried hard, will continue to try hard to work with everybody," Rosenburgh said. "But we really need folks to find a solution to go forward."