FIRST ON 3: Castle Hayne Incorporation Bill passes senate

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Castle Hayne is a step closer to becoming a town. The North Carolina Senate this afternoon approved a bill to let voters decide whether to incorporate.

The House will now discuss it. If it passes there, residents would vote on a referendum this fall.

The Castle Hayne Steering Committee has been working for years to incorporate, especially as the City of Wilmington expands its annexation plans.