Private-sector contractors are eagerly awaiting the outcome March 15 of a North Carolina referendum (“Connect NC”) that could result in $1.35 billion in government contracting opportunities on the campuses of North Carolina public universities and community colleges. Voters in the Tar Heel State will decide a ballot issue that would allow the state to borrow $2 billion. In addition to construction, repair and renovation projects in higher education, the funding would also help pay for water and sewer projects, state park needs and other state facility needs. Projects would be undertaken in 76 counties.
The bulk of the higher education spending – $1 billion – would be at the various campuses of the University of North Carolina System. Much of that funding would be focused on facilities that are geared toward STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines and for training future health care professionals. Each of the UNC System campuses would receive funding for at least one major project.
Another $350 million for community colleges would be allocated via a formula. Funding would range from $2.6 million for Carteret Community College to $12.6 million to Wake Tech Community College. All of the allocations to community colleges are for new construction, repairs or renovations.
A sampling of the UNC System bond projects proposed includes the following:
- The $68 million replacement of the medical education building at UNC-Chapel Hill;
- A new $105 million nursing school building on the campus of UNC-Greensboro;
- An allocation of $75 million for an engineering building at NC State;
- A $10 million renovation of the Lyons Science Building at Fayetteville State University;
- Renovations and additions totaling $21.1 million to Owen Hall at UNC-Asheville;
- A new $110 million Sciences/STEM building at Western Carolina University; and
- Renovations totaling $13 million to Moore Hall and the G.R. Little Library at Elizabeth City State University.
The bond funds would also include a total of $75 million for nearly 50 state parks and $309.5 million for water and sewer infrastructure. Parks funding will range from $135,000 for Fort Macon State Park to $5.7 million for Carvers Creek State Park. The North Carolina Zoo would receive $25 million for projects and the National Guard facilities in Guilford, Burke and Wilkes counties each would receive $23.3 million for facility improvements. The complete list of bond projects can be viewed here.
Because these multi-million-dollar projects will mean contracting and subcontracting opportunities for companies of all sizes, this bond issue should be closely watched by private-sector businesses and vendors.