Mayor Dick Sears has been chosen to chair the governing board of the organization that coordinates transportation planning for a five-county region. He was elected Jan. 21 to lead the executive board of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. It includes representatives from 19 cities and towns and also Wake, Johnston, Harnett, Franklin and Granville counties.
Sears said his selection shows that Holly Springs has an increasingly important role to play in matters of regional importance.
“This again signifies the recognition that Holly Springs is a very active and growing town in Wake County,” he said.
A top priority for Sears is ensuring “once and for all” that the orange route, not the purple one, is chosen for extension of the 540 outer loop through southern Wake County. Holly Springs officials and many residents oppose the purple route because it goes through homes in Sunset Oaks. A preliminary decision on the route is expected this spring.
Another priority is extension of express bus service to Holly Springs from Raleigh.
CAMPO responsibilities include updating a seven-year schedule of transportation projects and also forecasting needs 20-plus years out.
Sears was elected chair of the executive board after serving as vice chair for two years. He succeeds Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams. Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht is the new vice chair.
The 540 outer loop, for those not in the loop, is the completion of 540-Triangle Expressway Southeast Extension. There are multiple routes that are being considered.
