Easley accelerates state projects
Published: Wed, Nov. 26, 2008 02:06PM
Modified Wed, Nov. 26, 2008 03:35PM
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closeRALEIGH -- Gov. Mike Easley said today that he is fast-tracking $722 million in state construction projects in an effort to create jobs and stimulate North Carolina's economy.
The projects will go to the Council of State for approval Jan. 6, Easley's office said. They include major additions at universities, a $107-million environmental science center in downtown Raleigh, prison expansion and a polar bear exhibit at the state zoo.
The governor's office said moving the projects forward now is cost-effective because of lower interest rates and building costs.
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The projects have all been previously approved by the General Assembly. Easley is seeking to speed them up by two months. There will be no principal or interest payments due for at least six months, said Renee Hoffman, a spokeswoman for the governor.
Easley also instructed Commerce Secretary Jim Fain to move aggressively to recruit new jobs, using the state's incentive program.
Economists estimate that for every dollar spent on a construction project, $2.28 is pumped into the economy, Easley's office said. Also, 36 jobs are created for every $1 million spent.
The projects to be fast-tracked are:
* Department of Correction - Women's Health and Mental Health Facility - $45,170,500
* Department of Correction - Minimum Security Addition - Scotland - $13,010,000
* Department of Correction - Medium Security Addition - Bertie - $18,950,000
* Department of Correction - Minimum Security Addition - Tabor - $13,010,000
* Department of Correction - Medium Security Addition - Lanesboro - $18,950,000
* State Ports, Morehead City - Port-wide Berth Structure Construction - $2,000,000
* State Ports, Wilmington - Berth 8 Replacement Phase I - $5,000,000
* Department of Agriculture - Southeastern NC Agricultural Center Pavilion - $3,700,000
* Department of Agriculture - Truck Shed & Restroom Expansion at WNC Farmer's Market - $650,000
* Department of Agriculture - Davis Arena Renovation & Expansion WNC Agricultural Center - $7,450,000
* Department of Cultural Resources - CSS Neuse Phase I (20,000 square-foot bldg.) - $2,925,000
* Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Research Oyster Hatchery - $4,303,944
* Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Zoo Polar Bear Exhibit Addition and Renovation - $2,700,000
* Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Green Square Complex - $107,000,000
* East Carolina University - School of Dentistry - $69,000,000
* East Carolina University - Family Medicine and Geriatric Center - $36,800,000
* Elizabeth City State University - School of Education Building - $18,000,000
* A&T State University - Horse Barns, Upper Piedmont Research Station - $2,438,000
* A&T State University - General Classroom Instructional Facility - $20,490,000
* N.C. Central University - School of Nursing Building - $24,500,000
* N.C. School of the Arts - Central Storage Facility - $11,100,000
* N.C. School of the Arts - Film School Production Design Facility - $12,900,000
* N.C. State University - Centennial Campus Library - $109,100,000
* N.C. State University - 4-H Campus Improvements - $4,000,000
* UNC-Chapel Hill - School of Dentistry Addition - $69,000,000
* UNC-Charlotte - Energy Production Infrastructure Center - $57,218,000
* UNC-Greensboro - Academic Classroom and Office Building - $42,670,000
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