Governor McCrory Discusses Education Investments at UNC-Chapel Hill | Eastern NC Now

    Press Release:

UNC-Chapel Hill will receive $68 million from the Connect NC bond

    Chapel Hill, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory facilitated an educational panel discussion today at UNC-Chapel Hill to discuss the Connect NC bond investments in the university and the region. If approved by voters, UNC-Chapel Hill will receive $68 million for a new medical education building.

    "I fought hard to give North Carolinians a voice on the $2 billion Connect NC bond because I believe these investments here at UNC Chapel Hill, and across the state, will help educate the workforce of the future and improve North Carolina's quality of life for future generations," said Governor McCrory.


From left to right: President Dr. Algie Gatewood of Alamance Community College, Sec. Susan Kluttz, Governor McCrory, Chancellor Carol Folt and Major General Greg Lusk of the N.C. National Guard

    On the panel discussion before more than 100 members of the community, Governor McCrory was joined by UNC Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol L. Folt, Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Susan Kluttz, Major General Gregory Lusk and Alamance Community College President Algie C. Gatewood.

    Prior to the panel discussion, Governor McCrory toured Berryhill Hall, a nearly 50-year old facility that would be replaced should voters approve the Connect NC bond on March 15. The governor saw firsthand outdated equipment in cramped labs and classroom space.

    Chancellor Folt told the audience the UNC School of Medicine cannot expand until the class space is replaced and modernized.

    Governor McCrory stated that North Carolina's population has grown by 2 million since the last bond was passed 15 years ago. He also reiterated that no tax increase is necessary to finance the bonds, now or in the future, given the state's strong revenue growth and ample debt service capacity.

    The UNC System and North Carolina's 58 community colleges are slated to receive $1.3 billion from the Connect NC bond.

    Secretary Kluttz discussed the $75 million included in the bond to update facilities at 45 state parks.

    Major General Lusk, Adjutant General of the North Carolina National Guard, highlighted the $70 million included in the bond to construct and renovate National Guard Regional Readiness Centers.

    Including the investments at UNC-Chapel Hill, the North Central region stands to gain more than $432 million. Nine community colleges, three universities, eight state parks and two agricultural research labs in the region all stand to receive bond funds.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov