President's Report for December 1, 2025

Future-proofing our regional economy requires steady leadership, clear priorities, and a willingness to stay focused on long-term value. Two decisions now in front of our community, including the proposed deepening of the Cape Fear River and the New Hanover County Schools 2026 bond request will influence our competitiveness, workforce strength, and economic momentum for years to come.

Deepening the river from 42 to 47 feet is not simply about accommodating larger vessels. It is about ensuring our region can fully leverage the statewide infrastructure investments North Carolina has been making for decades. Here in Wilmington, NC Ports has transformed our cold-chain capabilities with support from the legislature. With more than 1,400 refrigerated plugs (and more than 2,000 planned), expanded reefer racks, on-site USDA inspection, and cold-treatment certification available in only a handful of states, Wilmington is emerging as a boutique gateway for high-value agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences. These improvements are already benefiting a sector that contributes $111 billion annually to North Carolina’s economy.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined that both 46-foot and 47-foot deepenings are economically justified. Claims that the economic impact is negligible are simply incorrect and ignore the Corps’ established methodology. The 47-foot option best aligns with the state’s long-term strategy and unlocks the full value of these investments by lowering logistics costs, increasing export capacity, and strengthening supply chains across the Mid-Atlantic. Suggesting that North Carolina can remain competitive without modernizing our port overlooks global trends and the realities of today’s shipping market.

The Department of Environmental Quality has extended the public comment period on the Wilmington Harbor study through December 20. As business leaders, your voices matter. If the growth of our port is important to your industry or workforce, please take a moment to submit a supportive comment. Written comments may be mailed to Federal Consistency Coordinator, 400 Commerce Ave., Morehead City, NC 28557, or emailed to Federalconsistencycomments@deq.nc.gov with “Federal Consistency: USACE Wilmington Harbor 403 Navigation Project” in the subject line.

The Chamber also supports the New Hanover County Schools request for a $320 million bond in 2026. High-quality, modern facilities are essential to preparing students for tomorrow’s jobs and to maintaining the quality of life that helps businesses attract and retain talent. Community sentiment remains strongly supportive, and continued investment in our schools is a practical, forward-looking choice for a growing region.

A competitive port and strong public schools are two of the most important foundations of a resilient, future-ready economy. The Wilmington Chamber will continue to advocate for both.