Randolph County All In For Governor McCrory's Connect NC Bond Proposal | Eastern NC Now

    Raleigh, N.C. — Several Randolph County municipalities and civic organizations have indicated official support for Governor Pat McCrory's Connect NC bond proposal. The City of Asheboro, Randolph County, the Randolph County Tourism and Development Authority, the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation and the Asheboro-Randolph Chamber of Commerce have all passed resolutions in support of the bond package to improve infrastructure across the state.

    "Leaders in Randolph County understand that Connect NC investments will boost our tourism industry while creating jobs and improving the quality of life for North Carolinians," Governor McCrory said. "I commend their call to hold a bond referendum as soon as possible to take advantage of current low interest rates."

    Statewide support for Connect NC continues to build with official endorsements from 28 counties, 27 cities and towns, 9 economic development organizations and 10 planning organizations (a full list can be viewed here).

    ​The Randolph County Tourism and Development Authority resolution explained the economic impact of tourism stating, "Tourism is North Carolina's second largest industry generating $21.3 billion in visitor spending, directly supporting 204,832 jobs for North Carolina residents."

    "The travel and tourism industry is a vital component of Randolph County and North Carolina's economic stability as benefits of tourism touch all nine of the county's municipalities and each of the state's 100 counties," the Randolph Economic Development Corporation resolution reads.

    All five Randolph County resolutions of support call on the General Assembly to hold a bond referendum as soon as possible.

    Connect NC will invest $45 million toward the North Carolina Zoo's 20-year expansion plan to upgrade trails and add new exhibits. The 2,200 acre zoo in Asheboro is the world's largest "natural habitat" zoo attracting 750,000 visitors annually from near and far.

    The bond package will also provide $3.4 million to retrofit and repair existing space at Randolph Community College to better prepare students for the 21st century workforce.

    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