Senator Queen supports Build NC's Future Act

June 10, 2010

_{This first appeared in the Asheville Citizen-Times}

RALEIGH - North Carolina students would get a competitive edge in the global economy with strong investments in engineering education and job-training equipment in key areas like science and medicine under the bipartisan Build North Carolina's Future Act, which passed the North Carolina Senate with the strong support of Senator Joe Sam Queen. The legislation, if enacted, will create an estimated 6,850 jobs and will strengthen the state's position in the economic recovery.

Under the measure, the state would make strategic investments in engineering education by building two new research facilities at North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University. Additionally, throughout the state, the act would also fund critical repairs at our campuses and state buildings, and provide community colleges and universities with science and medical equipment to enhance job training and innovative research.

The funding would come from $450 million in special indebtedness that would be repaid over the next 20 years, but the economic impact would be immediate in the construction industry that is plagued with unemployment as high as 25 percent. With construction costs at historic lows, the state could save 30 percent of the costs of these projects. It also encourages and makes it easier for in-state businesses to win these contracts. The financing would allow North Carolina to remain below the state's debt limit and not impact the state's leading AAA bond rating.

"If we are going to come out of this recession ahead, we have to be bold and make investments right now," Senator Queen said. "I am pleased to support a package that will put plumbers, electricians, and builders back to work now in a way that will prepare the next generation for skilled, good-paying jobs in engineering, science, and medicine."