Hagan tours locations of local projects

With federal stimulus money heading our way, Senator Kay Hagan toured sites in our area where the money will be flowing. She made two stops in our area that will see major changes in the coming months.

There is $ 6.1 billion headed to the state of North Carolina in stimulus money. Of that money, more than $800 million will go toward improving our streets, highways and bridges.

The town of Shallotte is lucky enough to get a piece of the pie. Senator Hagan toured the site where millions of dollars will be used to improve and extend an intersection along Main Street.

“These funds are going to allow our North Carolina DOT to improve our infrastructure and relieve the traffic congestion in Shallotte,” Hagan said.

The intersection in Shallotte is just one of the many “shovel ready” projects across the state, impacted by the stimulus bill.

Another project is Nesbitt Court, the Wilmington housing development which closed in 2007.

Senator Hagan surveyed the site where more than $1 million will be spent to demolish buildings. The demolition will make room for future development, and then create jobs. “When you think that we can build more single family affordable housing units here, that’s going to put people back to work, that’s going to put construction work going on,” Hagan said. “That’s going to have people buying furniture for housing, appliances…all of that is what will stimulate the economy and create more jobs.”

The Nesbitt Court property was built back in the 1930s. Now, what some call an eye sore will go away.

“We have on our agenda, is to take this blight and to turn it back into something wonderful for the Wilmington community. With the stimulus money we are going to be able to do that and we are very excited to be able to start that engine rolling,” said Bo Dean, the WHA Chairman.

The Wilmington Housing Authority is receiving a total of $3.6 million in stimulus money.

Officials said the Nesbitt Court project along with Hill Crest, Sunset Place and Taylor Homes properties will all benefit from the money.