Raleigh, N.C. - Governor Pat McCrory joined more than 120 members of the North Carolina National Guard, civilians with the National Guard Association, legislators and community leaders Tuesday for a briefing on the Connect NC bond investments in the National Guard. If approved by voters, the National Guard will receive $70 million for the construction and renovation of three Regional Readiness Centers.  
“I have always had great respect for those who serve our fellow citizens overseas and right here at home,” Governor McCrory said. “Given the sacrifices they make protecting us, the men and women of the National Guard deserve the best facilities we can provide to help us prevent and respond to disasters.”

Governor McCrory was joined at Tuesday's briefing by Secretary of Public Safety Frank Perry and Major General Gregory Lusk of the National Guard. 

Secretary Perry highlighted the public safety investments in the bond, including the $8.5 million slated for the Department of Public Safety Samarcand Training Academy. These funds will facilitate the conversion of the former Samarcand Youth Development Center into a top-notch, residential training academy for adult correction, juvenile justice and other law enforcement personnel.  

Major General Lusk gave a detailed presentation on the state of the National Guard’s Regional Readiness Centers and details of the proposed bond investments. If approved, the Connect NC bond will provide $40.6 million for the construction of a new Regional Readiness Center on the site of the former Guilford Correction Center in McLeansville. The facility will provide for over 600 soldiers and equipment from surrounding areas. 

Additionally, Burke County will receive $23.4 million to convert the closed Western Youth Correctional Facility into a Regional Readiness Center that will provide for over 600 soldiers and equipment from the armory in Morganton and other locations. 

Finally, the Wilkes County Armory will receive $6 million to construct a new Regional Readiness Center to replace the dilapidated 60-year-old facility.  

In addition to the National Guard, the $2 billion Connect NC bond includes investments in universities, community colleges, state parks, agriculture and water and sewer infrastructure. 

Governor McCrory stated that North Carolina's population has grown by 2 million since the last bond was passed 15 years ago. He also reiterated that no tax increase is necessary to finance the bonds, now or in the future, given the state’s strong revenue growth and ample debt service capacity.