By: Erin Smith
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday night and heard a request from Bladen Community College President William Findt regarding the Connect NC Bond.
The board voted to approve a resolution of support for the Connect NC Bond.
Findt was joined by BCC Board of Trustees Chairman Dennis Troy and BCC Executive Vice President Jeff Kornegay.
Findt told the board that the Connect NC Bond will appear on the March ballot. If approved, the bond will provide $350 million for the state’s community colleges, $980 million for the University of North Carolina system, $312 for local parks, and $100 million in state parks and attraction and $8.5 million for public safety.
If the Connect NC Bond is approved Bladen Community College would stand to benefit by receiving $6.5 million. In the region, Brunswick Community College is slated to receive $2.8 million, Cape Fear Community College will receive $5.9 million, Fayetteville Technical Community College will receive $10.6 million, and Robeson Community College will receive $7.2 million.
The college plans to construct a STEM facility on the campus that will measure 21,000 square feet and include classroom space, offices and a teaching auditorium. The new building will serve engineering, math, science, and technology programs.
“We have limited space,” said Findt.
He told the board that no classroom buildings have been constructed on the campus since the 1980s. He told the commissioners that the trustees have tentatively approved the STEM building.
Findt said remaining funds will be used for renovation and repairs, campus lighting, and parking lot repairs.
Findt said in addition to the college, Jones Lake State Park is slated to receive $651,750 and Singletary Lake State Park will receive $575,250.
About Author
