My Post

Last week’s celebration was a testament to the power of community and the strength of our collective vision. It was exhilarating to see leaders from both sides of the river and political spectrum come together as the Federal Highway Administrator announced an unprecedented grant of $242 million for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement thanks to investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supported by NC Senator Thom Tillis as well as the Biden Administration. With an additional $85 million expected from the NCDOT’s Prioritization 7.0 process, we are well on our way to breaking ground on this pivotal project.
 
However, this achievement is just the beginning. Our community has shown that by coming together, we can address major obstacles to our future growth. Yet, the work is far from over. It is crucial that we maintain our cohesion, trust the process, and focus on the long-term benefits rather than the short-term needs of a few.

Infrastructure investments are the cornerstone of a competitive community. CNBC recently ranked infrastructure as the number one consideration in the Best States for Business Rankings, surpassing even workforce. Our competitor communities, such as Charleston with its 575-foot Ravenel Bridge and Savannah with its plans to elevate the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, understand the importance of forward-thinking infrastructure. We must continue to attract people and jobs by ensuring our own infrastructure keeps pace. 

Read the full story here: https://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/insights/natalie_english/elevating_wilmington_why_a_new_taller_bridge_is_essential_for_our_progress/3899