Congressman Rouzer discusses surface reauthorization, infrastructure during visit to the Port City

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Congressman David Rouzer was in the Port City on Wednesday, where he met with business and community leaders to highlight the need for surface transportation reauthorization.

Rouzer held a press conference at Coastal Beverages Company off Highway 421.

Rouzer, who is chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, explained that Congress reauthorizes this act every few years to make sure states can continue funding long-term transportation projects.

“We’re now focusing on roads and bridges and rail, traditional infrastructure,” Rouzer said. “None of this stuff, you know, stuff that is non-traditional infrastructure. We’re focusing on the things that really matter to the American people, being able to get from point A to point B without it taking forever to do so.”

One such project is the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

In 2024, the Biden Administration announced a $242 million grant to fund a potential replacement, which was initially expected to cost around half a billion dollars.

But the price tag has more than doubled.

“It’s going to require an innovative approach to address that kind of funding gap. But I can assure you that at the federal, state and local level, we’re all working to achieve that.”

North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins said this reauthorization will help the state keep plans for both ongoing and future projects moving forward.

“We do a 10 year plan in North Carolina and so we plan our projects out based on the funding we think we’re gonna get, both at the state level and the federal level. And so any interruptions of that, so without a reauthorization bill, if we went to some sort of continuing resolution type, we wouldn’t be sure of the amount of money we’re gonna get.”

Rouzer held a roundtable with business and community leaders, including Natalie English, president and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.

“We are grateful to Congressman Rouzer for bringing together such a vital group of leaders, from small business owners to state and federal officials, for this important roundtable. The Surface Transportation Reauthorization represents major opportunities to invest in the infrastructure which powers our economy here in Wilmington and across the region,” said English. “When we align local insight with federal action, we create smart, sustainable growth that supports commerce, strengthens supply chains, and ensures our businesses, both large and small, can thrive for years to come.”

Coastal Beverages Company president Tee Nunnelee spoke about the impact proper road infrastructure has on his business.

“As a small business owner in Wilmington, I know firsthand how critical reliable infrastructure is to keeping our operations running smoothly, from getting goods delivered on time to ensuring our employees can commute safely,” said Nunnelee. “Having Congressman Rouzer, industry leaders, and government officials come together for this roundtable shows our voices are being heard. I’m proud to be part of the conversation that is shaping the future of our local economy.”

The current bill expires in September 2026, and a reauthorization would extend that by another 5 years.