CHAPEL HILL -- The proposed Durham-Orange light rail has once again hit a roadblock. Lawmakers want to limit state funding to 10 percent of the project's total cost.
"It's just really hard because we know we need something to help here with the growth and the transit issue," said Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger.
The project costs $1.5 billion. The 17-mile route will link Durham and Chapel Hill. City leaders say if the state limits its funding, that could hurt federal funding.
"Putting that 10 percent cap [on] funding when the federal government asked on its application for 25 percent from the state, and that's what we put on that application, makes it difficult," said Hemminger.
The proposed limited state funding is welcomed news to many residents who outright oppose the project.
"We are not sure if it will cause a lot of congestion right in front of our office. I think light rails in general is a good idea," said Nan Friedman.
She run PS Studio right off Highway 54 in Chapel Hill and says she has mixed feeling about the project.
Supporters of the light rail say they will continue to push state lawmakers.
"I know that they're hopeful, continuing to lobby to try to get lawmakers to change their minds," said Hemminger.