Early voting is underway for North Carolina's March 15 primary. One of the biggest decisions before voters has nothing to do with the presidential contest. They'll be asked to approve or reject a $2 billion bond measure that would fund higher education infrastructure projects, parks, water and sewer systems, and the National Guard. Lawmakers including Governor Pat McCrory have argued the Connect NC Bond will not require a tax increase and makes critical investments in the state. But not everyone is on board.
WCQS's Jeremy Loeb spoke with Chris Sinclair, a member of the Connect NC bond committee.
WCQS's David Hurand spoke with Nicole Revels, director of the group NC Against the Bonds.
A glance at how the proceeds of $2 billion bond package would be spent if a majority of voters agree to the referendum on ballots for the March 15 primary, via the Associated Press:
— $980 million for the University of North Carolina system, with $935 million for construction projects on 14 campuses, many targeting the science, engineering and math fields. The remainder would go to renovations at three other campuses.
— $350 million earmarked for all 58 community colleges. New construction would require local matching funds. Community colleges must report on how the money is spent.
— $309.5 million for water and wastewater system projects, with $100 million of the amount earmarked for grants and the rest for loans.
— $94 million for a new Department of Agriculture lab in Wake County.
— $85 million for a plant sciences building shared between the Department of Agriculture and N.C. State University.
— $75 million for more than 40 state parks.
— $70 million to construct National Guard readiness centers in Guilford, Burke and Wilkes counties.
— $25 million to replace the Africa Pavilion for the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.
— $8.5 million for the new Samarcand Training Academy for correctional and probation and parole officers.
— $3 million in grants for local parks for children and veterans with disabilities.
