Wake County voters will see two County bond questions on the November 2 ballot this year. One asks for approval to issue $40 million in general obligation bonds for Wake Tech expansion plans, and the other seeks $26 million for open space preservation.
If approved, the bond proceeds will be used to continue building Wake Tech's northern campus and a new public safety training center. The open space bond proceeds would continue the County's program of buying land to preserve as open space and protect water quality.
Growth is the driving force behind both bond issues, Commissioners' Chair Kenn Gardner said. Wake County adds 23,000 people per year – that is 63 new people each day who move here or are born here.
"These bonds are an investment in our future, and a perfect example of how we are planning carefully to meet the needs of growth in Wake County," he said. "We know that continued development is crucial to our sound economy, but it's important to strike a balance by preserving open space and protecting our water supply at the same time."
If the bonds are approved, the County can repay them without raising taxes to do so.
Wake Tech
Bonds were last on the ballot for Wake Technical Community College in 1993. Then, voters approved $30 million, which was used to build engineering technology and health sciences facilities, and for renovations.
Now, Wake Tech has big plans to build a new campus in the northern part of the County, near Wake Forest. The college broke ground in July for its 401 North Campus, on 125 acres between Louisburg Road and the Neuse River. This first phase, which is being built with state bond funding, is targeted to open by fall 2007 and will include:
- two classroom buildings with science and computer labs, library, tutorial center and offices.
- physical plant and infrastructure.
The proposed bond, if approved, would be used to start Phase II development in 2005. Highlights include:
- two additional buildings with classrooms, labs, offices and multipurpose areas
- a new public safety center to expand training for law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians and firefighters
- repairs and renovations on existing campuses
This new campus will allow Wake Tech to serve an additional 3,000 to 4,000 students each year, and make classes more convenient for many – some students drive nearly an hour to reach the college's campus in southern Wake County. The college currently has 53,000 students in curriculum and continuing education programs.
In 2003, an independent economic impact study showed that Wake Tech generated more than $296 million in economic activity within Wake County. Nearly 61 percent of this was measured in business and industry growth and in increased earning by Wake Tech graduates. Lide Anderson, chair of the Wake Tech Board of Trustees, said the study shows that Wake Tech plays an important role in economic growth in Wake County.
"We are excited about our expansion plans, both at the new northern campus and the addition of the public safety training center," she said. "The college provides continuing educational opportunities for students of all ages and works with local employers to meet their needs for a skilled workforce. A stronger, bigger and better Wake Tech will contribute even more to the economic desirability of our region."
Open Space
Each day, 27 acres of land are converted to other uses; that's one acre per hour. Wake County began its open space planning efforts in the late 1990s. The main focus of the program is to buy and protect land that will help protect the quality of the County's water supply.
To date, 1,800 acres worth $23.1 million have been acquired; of this amount, about $12 million has been County funding, with the rest coming from partnerships with cities and towns, state government and nonprofits. Much of the County funding is from a bond referendum approved by voters in 2000 for $15 million in open space bonds.
Sig Hutchinson, chair of the County's Open Space and Parks Advisory Committee, said because land prices are likely to continue rising, "the time is now" to buy land that can be preserved as natural areas.
"Open space adds tremendous value to our lives by protecting our water supply, providing parks and greenways, and creating shelter for wildlife," he said. "But open space needs to be planned for, the same as roads and other essential components of infrastructure."
Commissioners' Chair Gardner agreed, and said the open space preservation program illustrates how local governments can work together to effectively plan for their citizens' future.
"Wake County has been very successful at leveraging our open space funds in partnerships with other local governments and nonprofits," he said. "This is an excellent example of how, by working together, local governments are able to do much more than they could if they were trying to work alone."
Groups or businesses that would like a presentation about the open space or Wake Tech bonds may schedule one by calling Ann Halpin at Wake Technical Community College, 919-662-3526. Citizens may comment on the bonds by calling 664-7989 or sending an e-mail to referenda2004@co.wake.nc.us. For more information on the bonds, click here.