McCrory praises House infrastructure bond proposal

Published August 4, 2015

by Drew Elliot, Jones and Blount, August 3, 2015.

Gov. Pat McCrory came out in support of a state House bond proposal just hours after it was announced in a press conference by Speaker Tim Moore and House leadership Monday. Earlier Monday, Jones+Blount reported that McCrory was likely to support the proposal.

“We’re pleased that the Connect NC bond proposal continues to gain momentum,” McCrory said in a statement. “I applaud the House for listening to the people across our state who want to prepare North Carolina for the next generation. North Carolinians deserve a chance to express their voice on this issue in November.”

In a press conference Monday evening, state House leadership said the package, which they say has the same price tag as the governor’s bond, would cover more projects because it combines cash and takes advantage of the state’s opportunity to borrow money for key projects at a low interest rate.

The House’s bond package uses a combination of $1.3 billion in appropriated cash and a $2.85 million bond.  Among the key projects included are:

  • $200 million for capital repairs$1.7 million for capital improvements at community colleges, universities and K-12 schools
  • $100 million for state parks$10 million in matching grants for local parks
  • $92 million for the National Guard
  • $10.8 million for U.S.S. North Carolina battleship renovations
  • $400 million for transportation improvements, including roads and bridges
  • $75 million in a program for rural communities to apply for help with their sewer and water system updates

At the legislators’ press conference, lawmakers signaled a willingness to work with McCrory.

“We appreciate the governor kicking off this process a few months ago and we want to join with him,” Moore (R-Kings Mountain) said at the time.

McCrory returned the compliments, saying that the House plan “aligns with our plan to invest in North Carolina with a prudent, conservative approach that takes advantage of historically low interest rates and doesn’t raise taxes.”

The governor even thanked Moore and Rep. Dean Arp personally for putting the plan forward. Senate leadership, however, has already been critical of McCrory’s plan, so its future in that chamber is far from certain.

http://jonesandblount.com/2015/08/03/mccrory-lauds-house-infrastructure-bond-proposal/