North Carolina voters approve $2 billion bond package to boost higher education

Voters in North Carolina have approved a $2 billion bond proposal that will enable higher-education institutions in the state to upgrade their facilities.

WNCN-TV reports that the Connect NC Bond passed with 65 percent of the vote. The plan allocates $980 million for university projects and $350 million for community colleges.

The university projects range from $10 million earmarked for Fayetteville State University to $110 million for Western Carolina University. The focus of the university improvements is science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The money allocated to community colleges will be used for construction, renovations and repairs on 58 campuses.

The bond funds not allocated to education will be used for water/sewer upgrades, parks and zoo improvements, public safety facilities, and agriculture research facilities.