Statement on Federal Grant to assist with Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement

By Frank Williams | July 17, 2024 | Comments Off on Statement on Federal Grant to assist with Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement

[July 17, 2024] – Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams, who represents Brunswick County on the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) board, issued the following statement after today’s press conference announcing the award of a $242 federal grant to help fund replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge:

“The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure that affects the quality of life, economic well-being, and safety of thousands of Brunswick County residents, but it is nearing the end of its useful life. As I have stated on numerous occasions, I support exploring all available options for replacing the current bridge with a fixed-span structure with increased capacity. This grant is a major step toward making that a reality. When the WMPO voted in January to include a second project submission with a tolling option in NCDOT’s prioritization process, many of us clearly stated that this step would help us qualify for federal funds for the bridge replacement. I believe this grant would not have happened without that vote. As I stated in January, no one wants to see a toll bridge, myself included, and tolling the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge should be a last resort. This grant puts us much closer to fully funding the bridge replacement, and I’m committed to doing all in my power to fully fund the replacement without a toll while continuing to explore all options to ensure that the bridge is replaced before it’s too late.”

RELATED:

Posted in News, Transportation and tagged ,