UNC President visits Wilmington, talks House Bill 2 and Connect NC Bond

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting featured UNC President Margaret Spellings.

Spellings had positive things to say about the Connect NC Bond, that’s set to provide $66 million toward a new health and nursing building at UNCW.

Spellings said it’ll prepare the next generation of students.

“It’s a terrific investment. I know Chancellor Sartarelli is anxious to get working kind of ASAP so that building will come out of the ground and the good things that come from it will happen as soon as possible,” said Spellings.

The Connect NC Bond is expected to benefit 76 counties in the state.

When it comes to House Bill 2 she says she is concerned about losing federal funding.

“I think our federal funding is potentially in question so we’ll be talking with our state legislators about what changes if any might be possible to keep those funds for being at risk,” said Spellings.

Earlier this month Spellings made the announcement the 17 UNC campuses will follow the state’s new law requiring that all bathrooms be designated for use by people based on their biological sex.