MOORESVILLE, N.C. --Some economic experts believe the controversial Interstate 77 toll project could cost the region nearly $34 billion in economic impact over the next 50 years.

During a forum Wednesday night, experts said the tolls might discourage new companies from coming this area because the new lanes wouldn't support freight travel.

This forum was exclusively for elected officials and people running for office.

Mecklenburg County Commissioner Jim Puckett said they they focused on this group because they'll be the ones putting pressure on state house officials to take action.

“We want the public to be asking the people running for office in the primary are you willing to do what you have to do to work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to change this and save our economy over the next 50 years,” said Puckett. “These people running for office we want them to be able to answer those questions.”

This July, Transportation Secretary James Trogdon is expected to announce the state's final recommendation for how to proceed with the toll project.