City, county leaders discuss economic development

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The City of Wilmington and the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a joint meeting to go over the progress of the Garner Report Thursday afternoon.

It is a report that gives the city and county a strategy moving forward with economic development along with recommendations on what they can do to work better together.

One item topping the list, the water and sewer project on US 420. The purpose of this project is to bring new businesses to the 980 developable acres of land.

The estimated cost is projected for more than $18 million. The project will be funded by CFPUA and New Hanover County. Any excess costs will be covered by the county.

“By 2019, phase one and phase two will be completed.” New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple said. “That will open up that developable acreage to light manufacturing and a variety of commercial uses. That have been identified and that we know we need. Now we’d have truly shovel ready property for businesses who want to relocate here or more importantly want to expand here.”

There are a total of five phases for the water and sewer project.

Other items discussed during the review were marketing for the region and the Wells Fargo Tournament, film incentives, and the need for public transportation.

City and county leaders were also given a list of 21 recommendations to work on in order to help the region be the best it can be.