The Friends of State Parks Back Governor McCrory’s Connect NC Bond Proposal | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, N.C.     The Friends of State Parks is the latest organization to pass a resolution expressing official support for Governor Pat McCrory's Connect NC bond proposal.

    "It is clear that North Carolina's treasured state parks boost tourism, promote well-being and contribute immensely to the quality of life that makes our state a wonderful place to visit, work and live," Governor McCrory said. "The Connect NC investments will help preserve our state parks for future generations to enjoy."

    The bond package allocates $67 million to replace, renovate and restore facilities at 28 state parks across the state. Other park improvements in the bond package include trail development, campground and access improvements, the construction of new facilities and land acquisition as well as funding to support environmental education, which is a key focus of the parks system.

    "State parks help supply the quality of life factor that attracts new residents and businesses, support the tourism sector and contribute to the growing and strong economy, especially in the state's rural areas," the resolution emphasizes.

    Our state parks attract more than 15 million visitors annually and this figure is growing. The resolution underscores, "North Carolina's population continues to grow and visits to state parks have increased, with demands on state parks for additional recreation."

    North Carolina's State Parks System will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2016.

    "The Friends of State Parks believe that Governor McCrory's Connect NC bond proposal is essential for the protection of the precious resources represented by the state parks system," the resolution concludes.

    Connect NC is targeted investments in North Carolina's roads, education, public health, parks and military. From small farming towns to large cities, Connect NC projects will benefit every community across the state while creating thousands of jobs along the way.

    The transportation proposal would pay for 27 permit-ready highway projects throughout North Carolina that have completed environmental documents. In addition, Connect NC would fund the paving of 176 unpaved secondary roads totaling 113 miles.

    Because of the state's fiscal strength and strong balance sheet, no tax increase is needed to fund the bonds and the state's AAA bond rating would be preserved.

    To learn more about Connect NC, visit http://connect.nc.gov.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov