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RALEIGH – The recently approved state budget earmarks funds for the Roanoke-Chowan area.

NC House of Representatives members Michael Wray of Gaston and Howard Hunter III of Ahoskie combined to dedicate over $30 million of the state’s $26.9 billion budget to the local area.

Wray and Hunter each cast “yes” votes on the new budget, which was signed by Gov. Roy Cooper on July 11.

Rep. Wray’s affirmative vote today for the State’s spending plan will bring significant funding to House District 27 (Northampton and Halifax) in the way of capital improvements, infrastructure grants, and equipment purchases to local governments, school systems, and community service organizations.

“Representing two economically distressed Tier One counties, there are many unmet needs in my District,” Wray stated. “My goal in this short session was to allocate as much funding as possible to our rural communities to improve the quality-of-life for our citizens.”

As a democratic budget conferee, Rep. Wray successfully negotiated funding, to include just over $12 million for Northampton County, to assist District 27 to advance local funding needs and priorities. Funding is as follows:

Town of Garysburg      $100,000

Town of Gaston $500,000

Town of Rich Square $1,000,000

Town of Woodland       $250,000

Jackson Volunteer Fire Department $250,000

Northampton County $9,998,182

Town of Weldon $700,000

Town of Littleton $4,750,000

Town of Halifax $250,000

Halifax State Historic Site $1,000,000

Halifax County $450,000

Halifax County Schools $7,816,600

Darlington Volunteer Fire Department $500,000

“I am pleased that I was able to secure funding to support important projects in District 27,” commented Rep. Wray. “These funds will help local governments and community service organizations better serve our citizens, who are the ultimate beneficiaries.”

Rep Hunter negotiated a large amount of state funds (over $4 million) for his district in last year’s budget. This year he managed to have $3.6 million dedicated to a sewer project in Pasquotank County. His effort to have $1.56 million dedicated to a hanger project at Tri-County Airport was not approved.