Johnston County Among Local Governments Supporting Connect NC Bond Proposal | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, N.C. - Municipalities across the state have joined the growing crowd expressing official support for Governor Pat McCrory's Connect NC bond proposal. Avery, Johnston, Nash, Robeson, Mitchell and Yancey counties and the towns of Bear Grass, Edenton and Mount Olive have all passed resolutions calling for the bond package to be included on the ballot.

    "Local leaders understand the urgency of investing now to ensure North Carolina remains competitive in the future," Governor McCrory said. "I commend them for their call to invest now rather than reacting to infrastructure needs down the road."

    The Robeson County resolution underscores the significant need for investment in our state's infrastructure by stating, "Fifteen years have passed since the state's last general obligation bond was authorized for the improvement of public infrastructure, resulting in years of statewide deferred maintenance."

    The Johnston County resolution emphasizes the statewide benefits of the bond package by affirming, "These strategic investments, as proposed, are designed to benefit every community across North Carolina and will create jobs and improve the quality of life and environment for every North Carolinian."

    Highlights of the bond package include a statewide investment of $734 million for projects at 10 University of North Carolina institutions and all 58 community colleges. Connect NC will dedicate $67 million for improvements at 28 of our treasured state parks and $80 million to enhance public safety.

    The endorsements of Avery, Johnston, Nash, Robeson, Mitchell and Yancey counties, Bear Grass, Edenton and Mount Olive come on the heels of official resolutions of support from over 50 municipalities, several local chambers of commerce, Councils of Government and Metropolitan Planning Organizations from across the state.

    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.

    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