Gov. Pat McCrory is pitching a $3 billion bond proposal that will go toward road infrastructure ($1.5 billion) and renovation, or replacement of state government buildings. In the second $1.5 billion he is including a large chunk ($500 millions) to go to the UNC system for various projects, like the $115 million for a science/STEM building at Western Carolina University.
“Investment in transportation, infrastructure and education particularly higher education must continue in this state,” McCrory said.
WCU Master plan that was approved 2013 envisions a new science building to be build where the Natural science building is now. According to the plan it is going to be a massive 130.000 gross square feet building. Chancellor Belcher in his report sent to the faculty and staff said this is a “truly good news for WCU.
“The current natural science building is simply inadequate, both in terms of quality and quantity of space, to accommodate the demands for coursework in these disciplines. This new facility is imperative to Western Carolina’s future growth and capacity to meet the needs of the western region of our state,” said Belcher.
Leslie Corbett, a WCU student, loves the idea.
“I feel like it would be a great opportunity for Western. Science is all around us and it shapes everything we do. We need to study science more to understand the world around us. What better way than using the following sources of technology, mathematics and engineering that can help benefit the population and the students of Western,” Corbett said.
Other university projects include $70 million for a new Nursing and Health Sciences Building at Appalachian State University, $60 million for a science building at UNC Charlotte, $99 million for a new engineering building at NC A&T State University, $77 million for an engineering building at NC State University, and $4 million for School of Business at N.C. Central University.
The News & Observer reported that the governor wants voters to decide on his proposal this fall, in November, with only low-turnout municipal elections on ballots. No date is set. State Budget Director, Lee Roberts explained that the state can’t wait a year because interest rates are expected to rise.
N.C. Governor Pat McCrory listening to State Budget Director Lee Roberts addressing the media at the Joint Force Headquarters Media Briefing Room in Raleigh, N.C. on Thursday, March 5, 2015. Photo courtesy of Corey Lowenstein
“I think the interest rate environment trumps any of those kinds of considerations,” he said.
Roberts added that the state can safely borrow the money without putting its AAA credit rating at risk.
If this proposal passes it will be among the biggest borrowing package for North Carolina. The state borrowed $3.1 billion bond in 2000 for new community college and university facilities. That proposal passed with 73 percent of the vote.
Guess North Carolinians will have to make another decision in November 2015.
