5./ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Five Projects That Will Change the Way Currituck County Does Business North Carolina continues to rank high among the best states in the nation for business climate and corporate tax rates. The state is also recognized as one of the most competitive for new business. Here in Currituck County, that momentum continues with several key projects in development that will help secure our region’s future success. INTERSTATE 87 A new, $1 billion interstate highway will connect Norfolk and Raleigh and open a high-speed, unobstructed route between the Port of Virginia and North Carolina’s Research Triangle. The road, to be called Interstate 87, could take as long as two decades to complete. This freeway could open the distribution channels in the mid-Atlantic region like never before. I-87 will link the intellectual and healthcare industries of Raleigh (the fourth-fastest growing city in America according to Forbes) to the deepest port on the eastern seaboard, the Port of Virginia in Norfolk, and every business along the interstate stands to gain as a result. I-87 will strengthen the ability of Currituck businesses to move goods from roads to sea, and vice versa. This highway connects two key centers of commerce in the southeast, literally paving the way for high speed and high volume transport of goods from our region’s businesses to consumers all over the world. MEGA-SITE DEVELOPMENT In March of 2016, consultants presented a feasibility study for a 3,000-acre megasite in Currituck’s border community with Virginia. The initial report identified a strong potential market for a true mixeduse project featuring various housing, commercial, retail, office and industrial uses. 14 Currituck Chamber of Commerce Phase II is underway and under contract, which includes outlines for new zoning areas, roads and utilities. Given the proximity to the vibrant Port of Virginia, a strong rail infrastructure, and access to major interstates, it is no wonder Currituck is considering this potential megasite. Mega-site developments can help turn underused land assets into vibrant economic centers for our region. MID-CURRITUCK BRIDGE The Mid-Currituck Bridge project would create a second crossing of the sound – north of the Wright Memorial Bridge – to help alleviate congestion and improve the flow of evacuation traffic in the event of a hurricane or severe storm. It would also provide easier access between the Outer Banks and Virginia, as well as other communities in northeastern North Carolina. The 7-mile toll project includes a two-lane bridge that spans the Currituck Sound and connects the Currituck County mainland to the Outer Banks. It also includes a second two-lane bridge that spans Maple Swamp on the Currituck County mainland, connecting Aydlett to U.S. 158. The dedication of state transportation funding has begun and the steps toward making the bridge a reality are in motion. As we get closer to the 2019 shovel-ready date and anticipate the first vehicles driving over it in 2025, let’s take a closer look at why this long-awaited project is an exciting development for Currituck County and our region: Image provided by Currrituck County Economic Development
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