UNC Charlotte trustees endorse Connect NC bonds plan

At its Dec. 3 meeting, UNC Charlotte’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a resolution in support of the $2 billion Connect NC bond package.

North Carolina voters will consider the bond package on March 15, 2016.

If voters approve the bond package, UNC system schools will receive $980 million to build classroom buildings and make repairs. The state’s 58 community colleges will share $350 million. The bond also supports projects in agriculture, public safety, the National Guard, state parks and water and sewer lines.

The bond issue includes a $90 million allotment for a new science building at UNC Charlotte, which is considered vitally important to the University and the region.

As part of its language in the resolution, it has been 15 years since the last general obligation bond was authorized to improve North Carolina’s higher education facilities and infrastructure. During that time span, the state’s population has increased by two million people and the University’s enrollment grew by 76 percent.

Enrollment at UNC Charlotte has grown by 142 percent since the current science building was built in 1985. UNC Charlotte accounts for nearly half of the recent growth in the entire UNC system.

Without the new science building, officials say the University’s enrollment growth will be stopped in its tracks. The new science facility is crucial to ensuring continued growth and to meet strong demand for talent by Charlotte region employers.