Bond issue needs support

Editorial by Wilmington Star-News, January 6, 2016.

It's instructive to note that when Gov. Pat McCrory kicked off the official campaign Tuesday endorsing the state's $2 billion bond proposal he was not only joined by the top House Republican but the leading Senate Democrat as well.

Indeed, the bipartisan initiative that would mean millions for community colleges, the UNC System and many more infrastructure and building needs is seen by political leaders in Raleigh as a must-win for the state.

We agree.

The issue goes before voters on March 15 during the primary election, which will also include state and local races as well as a presidential primary. State financial analysts say the money can be borrowed at very good rates and that the debt can be serviced with no tax increase.

Locally, the biggest project is the $66 million Allied Health and Human Services/Nursing Building at UNCW followed by nearly $6 million for building projects at Cape Fear Community College, including needed repairs and renovations. Brunswick Community College would get $2.8 million for similar projects.

The proposal earmarks $1.1 million for the Fort Fisher State Recreation area and $885,000 for the Carolina Beach State Park.

With our aging population, UNCW is wise to invest in its nursing and human services areas. The new building would serve the area well for years and years to come.

Our community colleges have become gems for the area and voters here have been willing to help with local bond referendums to support them. There's been talk lately that “college is not for everyone,” which is true. But it would be a tougher sale to convince us that at least a community college education is not for everyone.

Meanwhile, the two popular tourist destinations mentioned are part of our fine state parks system. They both are on the water -- one on the ocean and one on the river. The Fort Fisher State Recreation area -- not to be confused with the Fort Fisher State Historic site and museum -- and the Carolina Beach State Park both provide easy access to the ocean and river, and for that reason they are heavily used. The state park provides a rarity -- simple camping in a maritime forest-like environment. The $2 million would provide much-needed maintenance and upgrades.

The biggest disappointment in the bond proposal is what's not there - funding for a new visitors center at the Battleship North Carolina. Battleship attendance has been booming in recent years and the 30-year-old wooden facility no longer meets the ship's needs. State officials have at least officially recognized that it is beyond economical repair. Funding will have to be found somewhere else.

Meanwhile, let's hope the importance of this investment in our state does not get lost amid the political fireworks of the primary season.

Even if you are not going to vote in the primary, go on March 15 and vote for this important measure, which has rare bipartisan support. We are not united that often. Let's do some good while we can.

See spending details at www.connect.nc.gov

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