Wilmington leaders considering all options to fund Cape Fear Memorial Bridge

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — We’ve talked a lot about New Hanover County leaders opposing the use of tolls on a replacement for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. But not everyone agrees. 

Natalie English is the President and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. 

She said a replacement bridge is needed for both residents and visitors. 

In order to make that happen, she said officials must review all options including tolls. 

English said she and many others would like to see this funding through a grant and thinks it’s possible Wilmington would be allotted that. 

“We don’t want to miss those windows of opportunity to attract funding that’s there,” English said. “If we don’t get that federal money, some other state or some other bridge is gonna get that money. We should be prepared to fight hard for it.” 

English said the idea of a toll bridge is highly unfavorable, but all options need to be laid out clearly.