ENC Regional News

The Greenville Airport is nearing the completion of a new hangar designed primarily for private planes. In response to high demand for hangar space, the Greenville Airport has begun building a $400,000 hangar to house private planes. Airport Director Jerry Vickers says that demand came almost entirely from private owners, attributing the demand in part to a lack of facilities for private planes. Vickers also cited that the increased hangar capacity would lead to increased demand.

Carteret County Animal Shelter has failed their state inspection and now they’re calling on volunteers to help make repairs.  Rusted fencing, corroded kennel runs, and deteriorated floors are just a few of the problems the shelter must fix by June 30th to get their license reinstated. Shelter Lead Rachel Jackson hopes that the community will help make repairs during a volunteer effort on Saturday, May 18th.

INTRO – The Governor’s Office has announced a business expansion expected to bring 200 new jobs to Greenville. George Olsen has more.

The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame will enshrine its 2013 inductees tonight in Raleigh. George Olsen has more.

AAA Carolinas reports it will cost North Carolinians less to drive this year than last. George Olsen has more.

A vacant property in Greenville could become a new DNA processing facility.  Jared Brumbaugh has more.

The company wanting to purchase the facility has asked to remain anonymous.  The 68-hundred square foot building is located near Vidant Medical Center.  Existing Industries Coordinator with the Pitt County Development Commission Scott Poag says they’re seeking a $60,000 grant from the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center to facilitate renovations.  He adds the grant amount is based upon how many jobs are created.

A new music park has broken ground in Kinston and will be the centerpiece for the eight county African American Music Trail.  Construction has started at the site, which is located on the corner of South Queen and Springhill streets.  When finished, the music park will feature a 12-foot high by 23-foot wide sculpture documenting famous local musicians such as Maceo and Melvin Parker.  Executive Director of the Kinston Community Council for the Arts Sandy Landis says the park will also have a place where musicians can perform impromptu shows.

In early April, the Ferry Division of the North Carolina Department of Transportation began installing new toll booths at three ferry terminals along the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers. In preparation for new ferry tolls going into effect July 1st, the Ferry Division began installation on Monday along the Bayview-Aurora and Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach ferry routes.  Steve Abbott, Communications Officer for the Ferry Division, says they lowered the cost of the installation by constructing the toll booths themselves.

Following a 6 month break in construction of the Buddy Phillips Bridge, the project is back on track.The 12 million dollar bridge replacement crosses the New River on US 17 business in downtown Jacksonville. The 800 foot, 4-lane bridge replacement was halted because the original contractors, Intercoastal Contracting of Castle Hayne, filed for bankruptcy.  Smith-Rowe LLC is being subcontracted to finish the last leg of work. Project Manager for the Buddy Phillips bridge Thomas Barton says construction started last month.