Some taxpayers concerned about port money bill

BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) — The General Assembly is looking at a bill that would give millions of tax dollars to the NC Ports Authority. But some taxpayers are concerned about Senate Bill 217.

Toby Bronstein is with Save the Cape, which is an organization concerned with environmental issues. She says they are concerned about the bill that would give an annual $35 million subsidy to the State Ports Authority.

“We think that is outrageous,” Bronstein said.

Bronstein says one of their issues with the bill is the Ports Authority’s mission statement, which mentions a goal of being self-sustaining. But now they are looking at millions of state tax revenue.

“With a $35 million perpetual subsidy for the Ports Authority, which is also how much they make in a year, that’s hardly being run as a business. That’s just a massive bailout,” Bronstein said.

Bronstein says she lacks confidence in the Ports Authority. She says after millions were spent on the still undeveloped Southport international terminal, it’s hard to trust this move.

“They haven’t done a single study. They didn’t look at whether the area could support the port. They went and bought the land for $30 million and pursued rather aggressively building a port,” Bronstein said.

Sen. Bill Rabon (R-Brunswick County) is sponsoring the bill. He says he trusts the people with the Ports Authority.

“The Ports Authority knows what needs to be done, and this is the right direction to go,” Rabon said.

We reached out to the Ports Authority for comment, but a spokesman said everyone was in the Raleigh today for the “Ports Day” with the General Assembly and unavailable to talk.