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Stimulus funding for Charlotte-Mecklenburg district in question

School system wants to take advantage of interest-free bonds, but county is balking at more borrowing
July 30, 2009

From The Charlotte Observer: Federal stimulus dollars could make it less expensive to pay for six construction projects for Charlotte-Mecklenburg (N.C.) Schools, but it is unclear when the county will borrow money for the work. The county has been allocated nearly $26 million in interest-free construction bonds through the stimulus package, and the school district wants to use the money to help build two elementary schools and renovate four other campuses. North Carolina districts are eligible for $276 million of the bonds this year, and N.C. officials have said they'd like the debt to be borrowed by Dec. 31. But meeting that deadline would force a change of plans for Mecklenburg County, which has been trying to rein in its construction debt. Local officials are asking the state whether it can roll over Mecklenburg's share of the stimulus bonds until next year.

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