Governor Pat McCrory joined Brigadier General David Turner, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and state and local representatives last week to survey progress of the new Gallants Channel Bridge project and tour the Port of Morehead City.
The construction to replace the existing draw bridge on U.S. 70 over Gallants Channel is on track for completion nearly a year ahead of schedule.
“This project not only improves conditions for people travelling in and out of Morehead City, it also builds on the progress we’ve made to repair and enhance infrastructure at our ports, ” said Governor McCrory.
“The new Gallants Channel Bridge will provide important access to the Port of Morehead City, which is a vital economic engine contributing nearly $1.1 billion to North Carolina’s economy each year.”
During the visit to the port, Governor McCrory also commented on critical dredging needs to help the port.
He said that the state agreed to help fund dredging around the port and that Brigadier General Turner let him know that Morehead City and Wilmington are “the top two ports of priority,” when it comes to dredging needs in the South Atlantic division.
Under Governor McCrory’s leadership, the 2015-17 budget invested $70 million to modernize and help expand the state’s ports.
The governor has also called for $35 million of this year’s revenue surplus be invested in critical infrastructure at the ports.
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