Commissioners authorize application for state funding toward Harnett Career Technical Education high school

Harnett County commissioners on Sept. 30 voted to authorize submission of a state grant application for a proposed Harnett Career Technical Education high school.

County staff said the school system’s application to the state’s Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund (2526) would seek a portion of funding for the project; Brent Trout told commissioners the total project cost is approximately $90,000,000, with the state expected to fund $62,000,000 and the county’s share estimated at $28,000,000 if the project is selected.

The board approved the authorization to submit the application by motion and voice vote; no roll-call vote was recorded in the meeting transcript.

Why it matters: A dedicated CTE high school would centralize vocational and technical-training programs for the county; state funding would cover most of the estimated capital cost if the application is successful, but the county would face a substantial local funding commitment.

Action taken

- Motion to authorize submission of the 2526 grant application and allow the chairman to execute it: motion made, seconded and approved by voice vote during the Sept. 30 work session.

Key figures

- Total project cost (presented by staff): approximately $90,000,000.

- Anticipated state contribution: about $62,000,000.

- Anticipated county share: about $28,000,000.

What was not decided

The authorization was only to submit the state grant application and allow the chairman to execute it. Final funding commitments by the county would be required later if the state awards the grant.

Provenance

This report is based on county staff remarks and the board’s subsequent motion and voice vote beginning at Brent Trout’s presentation (transcript segment starting at 3947.2898) and the recorded vote sequence (segments through 4060.560).