Connect NC is Governor McCrory's $2.85 billion bond proposal for strategic investments in our state's transportation and other public infrastructure that will cultivate a stronger economy, increased jobs and improve North Carolina's quality of life. The proposed bonds will benefit projects from the mountains to the piedmont to the coast with investments in 64 counties across the state. Projects include investments in both small rural areas and large urban cities. Strategic investments have been selected considering agency priority, the size of the project and location.
N.C. Department of Cultural Resources Secretary Susan Kluttz will host a discussion of the new bond proposal Tuesday, June 23 at 10 a.m. at a celebration of the USS North Carolina Battleship that became the first of ten fast battleships to join the American fleet in World War II. If the Connect NC bonds are approved by voters this November, the Battleship North Carolina may receive $11.5 million to enable the construction of a 20,000 sq. ft. Visitor's Center, improved parking and an ADA accessible bridge for improved access to the battleship. Showcased within the new Visitor's Center will be a new dining area with café and inside/outside seating, as well as exhibits expanding on the story of the USS North Carolina Battleship.
"Currently, interest rates are historically low," says Kluttz, "so timing is good for this targeted, long-term investment in our state's future. I am thrilled that the Battleship will enhance the visitor's experience at one of our state's treasures and to positively impact the economies of the local communities." No tax increases are necessary to finance the bonds because North Carolina's economy is strong and growing and, because the budget has been managed well, the state has ample credit capacity to borrow and repay the bonds with no tax increase.
North Carolina is growing faster than average and has surpassed Michigan to become the ninth most populous state - attractive to both retirees and new professionals alike. This growth impacts our state's aging infrastructure. Two bonds are proposed of roughly $1.4 billion each that will support investment in our state's transportation and other public infrastructure projects in education, public health, parks, and ports as well as for projects that support operations for our military.
During World War II, the USS North Carolina participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific area of operations and earned 15 battle stars. In 1958, the announcement of her impending scrapping led to a statewide campaign by citizens of North Carolina to save the ship from the scrappers torches and bring her back to her home state. The USS North Carolina was dedicated April 1962 as the state's memorial to its World War II veterans and the 10,000 North Carolinians who died during the war.