North Carolina

Construction to begin in April

3/24/2009 -- North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue announced today that work will begin in April on the state’s first nine highway and bridge projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The contracts total $36.3 million and were awarded today by Transportation Secretary Gene Conti to the lowest respective bidders, as required by state law. A list of the projects is attached.

“These first road projects will create a wide range of jobs throughout North Carolina and can address some of our most pressing, ready-to-go infrastructure needs,” Perdue said.    » read more »

State Grant Helps National Finance Firm Expand in Charlotte

3/20/2009 -- North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue today announced that GMAC Financial Services will grow its Mecklenburg County operations and invest more than $16.4 million, including capitalized lease payments, for an expanded corporate center. The Charlotte expansion is expected to create 200 finance, marketing, IT and related jobs over the next two years that will pay an average annual wage of $96,124, not including benefits.    » read more »

HUD Funds Will Help N.C. Communities With Foreclosures, Other Housing Crisis Issues

3/18/2009 -- Raleigh -- North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue today announced that 20 local governments, nonprofits and other organizations have received grant awards totaling $48.85 million under the new federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program developed late last year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program’s purpose is to assist those areas hit hardest by the housing crisis.    » read more »

3/17/2009 -- North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue today announced her 2009-2010 proposed budget. Despite facing the most challenging budget situation in decades, her budget increases per-pupil spending, invests in job creation and protects public safety through probation, mental health and anti-gang initiatives.

“I am stepping up to the plate to help our citizens when they need it the most,” Gov. Perdue said. “Despite our nation’s tough economic situation, I stand ready to strengthen our middle class, improve public education and public safety, and ensure that government works smart for our citizens.”    » read more »

3/12/2009 -- As she talked with western North Carolina economic leaders today, North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue stressed that protecting and creating jobs and growing the economy will be a top priority in the budget she plans to present on Tuesday.

“We must continue to move North Carolina forward even in these challenging times. In my budget I will make targeted investments to create jobs and prepare North Carolina to be an economic leader as our nation recovers,” said Gov. Perdue. “Helping small businesses compete more effectively, developing our workforce, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship are all vital to a strong business climate.”    » read more »

State Grant Helps Boat Builder Expand in Tarboro

3/10/2009 - North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue announced today that HC Composites, a national manufacturer of twin-hull boats, plans to expand its Tarboro operations. The company will invest $2.65 million and create 120 jobs in the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $130,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

“Boat manufacturing is an important part of our economy and the state’s heritage,” Gov. Perdue said. “Our skilled workforce and top-ranked business climate are among the many reasons that homegrown companies such as HC Composites continue to flourish and expand in this great state.”

The 120 new jobs will pay an average of $29,560 a year, not including benefits.    » read more »

California, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina and Vermont to host regional forums to continue discussion about bringing down health care costs, expanding coverage for all Americans

March 6, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Building on Thursday’s White House Forum on Health Care Reform, President Obama announced a series of Regional White House Forums on Health Reform that will bring the conversation about health care reform directly to communities across the country. In keeping with the Obama administration’s commitment to a transparent, accountable government, the forums will be an opportunity for Americans from all over the country to voice their concerns and ideas about reforming our health care system.    » read more »

2/25/2009 -- “North Carolina will be a fantastic location for the 2011 Championships,” said Governor Perdue. “We have a proven track record of successful major events, great facilities and wonderful volunteers. Not only will the Nationals showcase Greensboro and bring valuable dollars to the surrounding area, but the choice of North Carolina as the host state will make for the best possible event.”    » read more »

February 24, 2009 -- ATLANTA, Ga. -- The state of North Carolina will receive $5 million for a statewide risk assessment and mitigation strategy demonstration of the potential impacts of climate change-induced sea level rise.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will use the results of this study to assess the long-term fiscal implications of climate change as it affects the frequency and effects of natural disasters. Information from the study will be shared with other states to inform their climate change mitigation efforts.    » read more »

Projects create 14,000 jobs, Perdue stresses accountability

2/24/2009 -- North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue today announced 70 highway and bridge projects throughout North Carolina will soon get under way using $466 million in federal economic stimulus funding. The money is the first half the state will receive for highway improvements through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The new federal law requires states to obligate the first half of transportation stimulus money within 120 days of receipt, and the remaining half to projects within a year. According to state transportation officials, this round of infrastructure investment will create about 14,000 jobs for the state.    » read more »

$1.5 Billion Available to States for Transportation Projects

2/19/2009 -- North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue announced today she will pursue discretionary grant money included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to use for replacement of the Yadkin River Bridge on I-85 in Davidson and Rowan counties. The project is estimated to cost around $300 million. Gov. Perdue and NCDOT Secretary Gene Conti will work with Sen. Kay Hagan, Rep. Mel Watt and the rest of North Carolina’s Congressional delegation to obtain funding.    » read more »

2/19/2009 -- North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue today signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to provide $25 more per week in federal unemployment insurance benefits to those who qualify under the Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act.

“We need to do all we can to help people looking for work who have been hard hit by the nation’s economic crisis,” said Gov. Perdue. “I have spoken with Employment Security Commission Chairman Moses Carey, and his staff is already hard at work implementing this initiative as quickly as possible. Within the next few weeks, those unemployed who qualify will begin receiving this money.”    » read more »

Temporary office will coordinate and monitor stimulus fund spending in N.C.

2/17/2009 -- North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue today announced the creation of the Office of Economic Recovery & Investment to coordinate and track North Carolina’s handling of federal stimulus funds as well as state-level economic recovery initiatives. Perdue named Dempsey Benton, former secretary of the state Health and Human Services Department, to lead the office and provide accountability for use of the recovery dollars.    » read more »

1/29/2009 -- North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue has proclaimed February as Black History Month in North Carolina and urges citizens to honor the heritage of African-Americans and their contributions to our state and nation. Several state museums and historic sites will offer special programs and exhibits to mark the month.

“Celebrating Black History Month this year is even more relevant as we honor the inauguration of the nation’s first African-American president,” Perdue said. “I encourage all North Carolinians to take advantage of the many opportunities throughout the month to learn more about black history and celebrate the contributions that have helped build our country and our state.”    » read more »

September 01, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Harris, 36,of Lexington, North Carolina, died Aug. 30 from injuries sustained while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan.

Harris was temporarily forward deployed from his assignment at Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Dam Neck, Va.

Source: DoD