Through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Interstate Maintenance Discretionary Account, which will go to the City of Concord Department of Transportation. The portion of I-85 in Cabarrus County between Mecklenburg and Rowan Counties shrinks from eight to four lanes causing tremendous traffic congestion. The current congestion contributes to both significant travel delays and subsequent air quality issues. This part of the project (NCDOT TIP Project No. I-3803-B) will widen I-85 to eight lanes from Speedway/Concord Mills Boulevard (just north of I-485 in Mecklenburg County) to NC 73 – a total of 7.2 miles. Maintaining eight lanes through Cabarrus County will eliminate existing congestion by providing additional capacity, benefitting not only metro area commuters, but all north/south I-85 travelers. From May 2002 to April 2005, 688 vehicle collisions were recorded on I-85 within the proposed project limits. These crashes were primarily a result of the heavy stop and go traffic during peak travel times. This portion of the interstate provides access to Concord Mills Mall – the largest tourist attraction in North Carolina, Lowes Motor Speedway, and Concord Regional Airport – the fourth busiest airport in the State, as well as a majority of other industry in the area. It is imperative that I-85 be widened to attract new industry to this site and others. The project will also affect the success of the new North Carolina Research Campus in neighboring Kannapolis. Funding for this project will help the local, state, and federal governments to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities, congestion, and help improve air quality issues. In addition, funding for this initiative will help local and state efforts to bring jobs to the economically distressed area.