RESOLUTION OF SUPORT FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC INVESTMENT BONDS THAT WILL CONNECT
NC CITIZENS THROUGH STATEWIDE INVESTMENTS TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION, AGRICUTLURE, PARKS AND
RECREATION, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND WATER AND SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED FOR A GROWING STATE.
WHEREAS, North Carolina is now the ninth most populous state, growing rapidly and in need of long-term
investments in infrastructure repair and expansion that are critical to ensuring the State of North Carolina remains a
thriving, global economic force while maintaining our world renowned quality-of-life;
WHEREAS, the needs are great after years of delayed repairs and construction during the Great Recession;
WHEREAS, North Carolina’s community colleges and universities, which generate jobs and teach citizens of the State
the skills necessary to succeed in a competitive economy, are in need state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and
other facilities to meet their educational mission;
WHEREAS, agriculture and agribusiness represent North Carolina’s largest economic segment, generating $76 billion
in income annually and providing food, fiber, and forestry products that all North Carolinians rely on;
WHEREAS, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that agricultural production must increase
by 60 percent by 2050 in order to provide a safe, healthy food supply both locally and globally;
WHEREAS, innovation is essential for continued agricultural productivity, growth and prosperity in our state, and
investing in the Plant Sciences Building for NC State University and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services laboratories will help discover and develop this needed innovation;
WHEREAS, our local and state parks and the North Carolina Zoo are cultural and natural treasures invaluable to our
quality of life;
WHEREAS, water and sewer system projects, along with drinking water and wastewater infrastructure grants, are
critical for sustained economic growth and for ensuring the health of the state’s population and the environment;
WHEREAS, the National Guard and public safety institutions are essential to the continued well-being and security of
our citizens and property;
WHEREAS, the $2 billion bond package approved by the General Assembly will begin the neglected task of building
and upgrading our state’s infrastructure to meet the needs of the State’s people and students and its urban and rural
communities;
WHEREAS, this necessary investment in education, agriculture, water and sewer, public safety, and recreational
infrastructure are vital to North Carolina’s future would not raise taxes for our citizens, would fit within the state’s
self-imposed debt limits, and would not jeopardize North Carolina’s strong credit ratings;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the North Carolina Agricultural, Dairy and Tobacco Foundation’s Board of
Directors strongly supports the public investment bond proposal because it will help maintain North Carolina’s
economy and high standards for quality of life.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the board pledges to work to educate and inform the citizens of our State about the
importance of the bonds and pledges to encourage voters to approve the bonds March 15, 2015.
This the 10th day of November, 2015