Port money bill at standstill

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Port of Wilmington was looking at millions from the state but Port officials say that bill is dead. The subsidy was proposed in Senate Bill 217.

According to General Assembly records there hasn’t been anything done with the bill since April 15.

This proposal had some tax payers concerned about millions of tax dollars going to the Port. Toby Bronstein is with Save the Cape, which is an organization concerned with environmental issues. She said they were concerned about the bill that would give an annual $35 million subsidy to the State Ports Authority.

“We think that is outrageous,” Bronstein said.

Sen. Bill Rabon (R-Brunswick County) sponsored the bill. He said he trusts the people with the Ports Authority.

“The Ports Authority knows what needs to be done, and this is the right direction to go,” Rabon said.