88.5 WFDD - Connect NC: Recent Episodes
Keri Brown
A majority of North Carolina voters during the primary said yes to the Connect NC bond referendum. --photo credit: Keri Brown
North Carolina voters have approved a $2 billion spending package. The Connect NC Bond Referendum passed with about two-thirds of voters saying yes. The money will be used to fund infrastructure projects throughout the state. The Triad will also get a big boost from the funding.
“The Triad alone will receive around $360 million for various projects. Those include a new National Guard readiness center in Guilford County, a new exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro and improvements at Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock State Parks,” says WFDD’s Keri Brown.
“A bulk of the money the state will borrow will go toward higher education.We will see new buildings, repairs and expansions for the UNC system campuses and improvements at community colleges across the state,” Brown adds.
Water and sewer projects for smaller communities and urban centers are also on the list.
Gov. McCrory says no tax increases are necessary to finance the bond. Supporters say it’s been 15 years since the last infrastructure bond was approved by voters. Since then, North Carolina’s population has grown by 2 million people.
*You can follow WFDD's Keri Brown on Twitter @kerib_news.
connect nc #bond referendum #gov. pat mccrory
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Gov. Pat McCrory says if voters approve $2 billion in borrowing , it would pay for repairs, renovations and expansions in education, agriculture, parks and water/sewer systems. KERI BROWN/WFDD
The campaign is heating up for a $2 billion statewide bond referendum. State and business leaders are attending an event Tuesday in Greensboro to support the Connect North Carolina funding. The focus will be on the potential economic impact it would have for the Piedmont region if passed in the March primary.
The Triad alone could receive $360 million under the bond. The project includes a new National Guard readiness center in Guilford County, a new exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, and improvements at Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock State Parks.
UNC systems and community colleges will also see a boost. More than 60 percent would be spent on new buildings and repairs on campuses.
Governor McCrory has championed the measure, saying it will create 21st century jobs and improve infrastructure. He adds that there will be no new taxes to pay for it. State and business leaders will attend the panel discussion at the National Guard Armory in Greensboro.
The referendum will be on the primary ballot for voters to decide on March 15.
*You can follow WFDD's Keri Brown on Twitter @kerib_news
election 2016 #connect nc #bond referendum #gov. pat mccrory
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