The North Carolina Chamber is urging Raleigh lawmakers to consider creating a State Infrastructure Bank and adopting other “innovative financing solutions to leverage private money’’ to advance infrastructure projects in the state.

While spending on state highways is a focus, the Raleigh-based business advocacy organization is also urging legislators to embrace long-term solutions to repair infrastructure damaged by hurricanes. This past September, Helene proved devastating to roads, water, sewer and other systems across western North Carolina.

Even now, the shutdown of portions of Interstates 40 and 26 is “causing traffic chaos, and that impacts commerce and the ability to get the economy back up and running,’’ said Jake Cashion, the Chamber’s vice president of government affairs. “Unfortunately, Helene highlighted the demands on the non-transportation infrastructure, as well. It’s amazing the shock that the hurricane put on the infrastructure system in general.’’ (One lane of traffic in each direction on I-40 near the Tennessee state will re-open Saturday, March 1; Traffic is passing on all sections of I-26).

Helene’s lingering impact serves as a background to the convening of the General Assembly. Led by the Chamber, the business community is backing nine recommendations for accelerating and broadening infrastructure development in transportation, energy, water and broadband.

The legislative agenda also lists education and talent development, the state’s business climate and legal reform as top priorities for state businesses.

The Chamber’s advocacy for “a modernized transportation funding structure’’ builds upon the growing concern among state leaders over North Carolina’s reliance on motor fuels taxes for more than half of transportation revenue.

For more, see this report.