By Chris Russell
Contributing Writer
Leaders from both parties began a public relations campaign in January to convince voters to approve a new bond that will enable the state to borrow $2 billion to fund a variety of projects, including education, parks, safety, recreation, and water and sewer infrastructure.
More than $73 million of the proposed $2 billion Connect N.C. bond would be invested in New Hanover County. Education is the big winner in the bond proposal, which was approved in September. Nearly $1 billion of the state bond money would build or refurbish engineering and science-related buildings in the University of North Carolina system.
If voters pass the bill March 15, University of North Carolina Wilmington is slated to receive $66 million for a new nursing and healthcare building. Cape Fear Community College is budgeted close to $6 million for construction, renovations and repairs. Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher parks are earmarked for nearly $2 million in improvements.
Support is building for the education and infrastructure bond, which would initiate projects in 76 of North Carolina’s 100 counties.
“The $2 billion bond will connect North Carolina to the 21st century through statewide investments in education, parks, safety, recreation, and water and sewer infrastructure,” Governor Pat McCrory stated in a press release. “The Connect N.C. bond will allow us to pay for 50-year assets with 20-year financing. No tax increases are necessary to finance the bond, given our strong revenue growth and ample debt service capacity. We will continue to balance the budget and uphold our position as one of only 10 states to have earned the coveted Triple A bond rating from all three major ratings agencies.”
On Jan. 5, McCrory joined North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue Jr. for a launch event at N.C. State University.
Aside from the UNC system, the bond earmarks funds for: 58Â community colleges; 25 public parks and attractions; clean water, sewer and improvements for the disabled at local parks statewide; National Guard readiness centers; DPS training academy; agriculture labs in Wake County; and general state facility repairs.
The largest single allocation in the university system is for Western Carolina, where a $110Â million science and STEM building is planned.
“We are excited about engaging voters in an online conversation during this important campaign. … Building a robust online community will be critical to educating and mobilizing voters in support of the bond in the March 16 primary election,” said Bob Orr, former N.C. Supreme Court Justice and co-chair of the N.C. Connect Committee.
The non-partisan committee working to inform the public about the bond has launched a website to explain more about the benefits, which can be found at www.VoteYesToInvest.com
