Discussion, Tour and Reception Thursday, June 25 at 11 a.m.
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 Thursday, June 25 at 11 a.m. at a celebration of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, appropriately named for shipwrecks that play a major role in the area's history. Exhibits tell stories of major wrecks including that of the USS Monitor, Titanic, U-85, USS Huron, and Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge. If the Connect NC bonds are approved by voters this November, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum may receive $3.5 million to fabricate and install permanent exhibitions in the 5,500 sq. ft. galleries and the 1,600 sq. ft. main lobby, and will focus on the maritime history and shipwrecks of the North Carolina Outer Banks from the earliest periods of exploration and colonization to the present day with particular emphasis on the periods from 1524 - 1945. This funding will supplement existing funding already provided for the design phase.
"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 Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum will be able to enhance the visitor's experience by telling the full story of this unique and fascinating area, 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.
The North Carolina coastal area has a rich history regarding the Civil War, WW I and II, the War of 1812, SCUBA diving, fishing, General Billy Mitchell - the father of the US Air Force - and the Cape Hatteras lighthouse, life-saving, and the hearty folk who reside by the sea. Visitors to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum view artifacts related to the coastal history and culture, and enjoy a full range of year-round programs and events for people of all ages.