Wednesday, March 09, 2016

Gov. Pat McCrory will tour UNC Wilmington’s campus today to discuss how the proposed Connect NC bond will address critical needs in the areas of education, infrastructure, recreation, agriculture and safety.

Connect NC, on the ballot March 15, will invest $2 billion statewide in universities, community colleges, agriculture and plant sciences, state parks, water and sewer infrastructure, and national guard facilities, stimulating economic growth in the region and throughout the state.

The bond will provide $66 million for a new Allied Health/Human Sciences building at UNCW, completing the university’s health quadrangle. The new facility will enable UNCW to address healthcare workforce needs in high-demand degree programs; expand online and extension programs; provide student support space, including dedicated space for UNCW’s military-affiliated students; create additional opportunities for regional healthcare collaborations and increase opportunities for community engagement.

McCrory will be joined by UNCW Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli, NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Susan Kluttz, North Carolina National Guard Adjutant General Greg Lusk and Brunswick Community College President Susanne H. Adams for a panel discussion about the bond.

-- Venita Jenkins

UPDATE 4:20 p.m.

Gov. Pat McCrory Visits UNCW, Touts Connect NC Bond
Gov. Pat McCrory visited UNC Wilmington’s campus March 9 to discuss how the proposed Connect NC bond will address critical needs in the areas of education, infrastructure, recreation, agriculture and safety.

Connect NC, on the ballot March 15, will invest $2 billion statewide in universities, community colleges, agriculture and plant sciences, state parks, water and sewer infrastructure, and National Guard facilities, stimulating economic growth in the region and throughout the state.

“I fought to put the Connect NC bond proposal before the voters because the investments here at UNCW and across the state will cultivate skilled graduates who are prepared to meet the demand for highly trained health and human services professionals,” Gov. McCrory said.

The bond will provide $66 million for a new Allied Health/Human Sciences building at UNCW, completing the university’s health quadrangle. The new facility will enable UNCW to address healthcare workforce needs in high-demand degree programs; expand online and extension programs; provide student support space, including dedicated space for UNCW’s military-affiliated students; create additional opportunities for regional healthcare collaborations and increase opportunities for community engagement. The proposed building would open during 2018-19 academic year.

Southeastern North Carolina will receive $116 million from Connect NC for improvements to five state parks and nine community colleges.

McCrory was joined by UNCW Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli, NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Susan Kluttz, North Carolina National Guard Adjutant General Greg Lusk and Brunswick Community College President Susanne H. Adams for a panel discussion about the bond.