THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 2, 1994 TAG: 9410020045
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY BETTY MITCHELL GRAY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NEW BERN LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
Money for local water and sewer projects and for school improvements topped a wish list that eastern North Carolina government and business leaders presented to the region's legislative delegation Saturday.
Many communities throughout the region are banned from providing water and sewer services to new customers because existing sewage treatment plants can't keep up, and area counties are facing staggering construction costs to replace aging school buildings, area leaders said.
Local legislators, meanwhile, said that sticking together is the key for advancing eastern North Carolina's agenda.
``We need to work together or we're always going to be the red-headed stepchild,'' said Rep. John M. Nichols, R-Craven. ``It's not easy because we're so diverse, but I have found that I have a lot in common with folks from Wilmington and folks from Northampton County.
``We're all facing the same issues,'' he said.
Eastern North Carolina government, industry and education leaders met with a group of about 35 state lawmakers in New Bern over the weekend at the Eastern North Carolina Legislative Rally. The topic: discussion on issues that will face the region when the General Assembly convenes early next year.
Sponsored by the Eastern North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, a regional chamber with members from a 43-county area in the eastern third of the state, the legislative rally has been held every other year for the last 10 years.
It was designed to give area residents the chance to work with legislators and local government officials on issues that are vital to the future of the region, according to Robert Hackney, the chamber's chief executive officer.
``I think there's a lot of cooperation from Raleigh eastward to help solve these problems,'' said Rep. Bob Hensley, D-Wake.
``These are not just eastern issues but are statewide issues,'' said Sen. Elaine Marshall, D-Harnett. ``If the eastern delegation provides leadership on these issues, then the entire state would be well-served.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
THE CHAMBER'S WISH LIST
While some of the items will require added funds, others can be
met by re-allocating existing money, industry leaders said.
State financial help for local water and sewer projects
A study of regulations governing the transfer of water from one
water basin to another
State help to streamline the procedures in dealing with spills
from underground storage tanks
State financial help to develop local tourist attractions
Full funding for the state's Basic Education Program
State financial help for school construction projects
More progress in equalizing school funding for the state's poorer
and smaller school systems
Minimum training requirements for local school board members.
by CNB