Pender County to begin long-term transportation plan to address future needs

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — The Pender County Board of Commissioners heard more about a new plan that will soon get underway to help with the area’s transportation needs during a meeting Monday afternoon.

For the first time since 2016, a comprehensive transportation plan will be done, all while the county is experiencing significant growth as it is the 2nd fastest-growing county in the state.

The plan will look at the county’s predicted growth for the next 25 to 30 years to determine what projects should be considered.

Pender County long-range planner Adam Moran said high-speed passenger rail is a part of the plan and a survey will become available to residents and visitors to fill out online about what they think needs to be the plan’s focus.

Moran said the plan does not suggest or determine how much the projects would cost.

“The comprehensive transportation plan really kind of looks ahead,” Moran said. “It’s not looking at, kind of, the dollars and kind of the price of each project. But really looking at what does the county want, what does it need, where can improvements be made. Kind of allows the county to dream and throw out some ideas.”

Moran said the survey will become available on June 1st and will end on September 1st.

Later during the Board of Commissioner meeting, County Health and Human Services director Carolyn Moser gave an update about the use of opioid settlement funds.

One use will be a new D.A.R.E. program for 5th graders in county schools, starting in the fall.

Moser said introducing this program back into schools will be a great opportunity for young students.

“These officers establish a real close relationship with these kids. And so they end up seeing them year after year and it makes a great impact on these children and hopefully on their parents when they go home and talk about what they learned that day.”