The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners today unanimously approved funding for the first step towards major infrastructure improvements along the U.S. 421 corridor designed to bring more business and industry to the region. The board voted to spend $2.1 million for design, permitting and right-of-way acquisition for the project, which could be funded through a state grant from the recently-passed ConnectNC bond, through a loan or through the county’s general revenue fund.
Commissioner Woody White, a member of the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority board, said the organization will apply for $15.5 million in loan and grant money from the state that can be used to fund the project. The $16.7 million would extend the utility’s water and sewer delivery to the area north of Wilmington where Interstate 140 meets U.S. 421.
“It’s an important step for new companies that want to come to New Hanover County and it’s an important step for job creation,” said Scott Satterfield, of Wilmington Business Development. “I can’t think of anything more important than to have those utilities in place.”
Members of the board noted that extending utility service to the area has been a goal of the county for more than 20 years.
