Leland Town Council has approved a resolution supporting alternative transportation and funding options for the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
The resolution was sent to the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the North Carolina State Ports Authority, the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO), and other regional stakeholders. It expresses concern that proposed toll funding could place a disproportionate financial burden on local residents and daily commuters.
Instead, the resolution encourages funding participation by the North Carolina State Ports Authority, whose freight traffic significantly wears the bridge and surrounding roadways and relies heavily on the bridge for port operations.
The Town Council also requested that WMPO and the State of North Carolina further evaluate the proposed Cape Fear crossing as a potential alternative transportation solution.
“We recognize the importance of replacing the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, but local residents should not carry the burden alone,” said Mayor Brenda Bozeman. “This resolution supports a fair and balanced approach that considers the long-term needs of our region, our economy, and the people who rely on this bridge every day.”
Town Council approved the resolution at its regular meeting in April.
Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (Photo: Lakeeda Johnson / WWAY)