Landon Zimmer

Reflecting on the current state of politics, I am deeply concerned by the troubling trends dominating our national discourse. Everywhere I turn, I see charged language, mischaracterizations, and blatant misinformation amplified by platforms that prioritize entertainment over information. This fixation on rhetoric over reason has led to unprecedented gridlock and a frustrating lack of progress on issues that profoundly impact our daily lives.

Yet, amid this discord, there remains reason for optimism. Here in New Hanover County, we recently achieved a significant victory for our community. Just last week, Wilmington secured a monumental $242 million grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Bridge Investment Program. This funding represents a crucial step forward, allowing us to expedite the replacement of the aging Cape Fear Memorial Bridge—a vital infrastructure project that has long awaited an upgrade—at a substantially reduced cost to North Carolina taxpayers.

Securing such a substantial grant was no easy feat. It required collaboration across political divides and between various levels of government. The vision and commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration to infrastructure investment in 2021 were pivotal, as were the bipartisan efforts of North Carolina’s Democratic House members and Republican Senators. The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, amidst a deeply divided Congress and nation, speaks volumes about our capacity for cooperation in tackling our most pressing issues.

At the state level, the leadership and expertise of the North Carolina Department of Transportation played a pivotal role. Serving as this region’s representative on the department’s board, I can attest to their unwavering dedication and strategic approach. Supported by local state senators, their efforts ensured that our bridge project stood out among many competing projects nationwide. Through meticulous planning and tireless advocacy, we positioned the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge project as a top contender for federal funding.

Certainly, our journey was not without challenges. Locally, discussions about exploring alternative funding sources, such as tolling the bridge, sparked intense debate. Ultimately, the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization recognized tolling as a strategic means to secure critical federal funding for the bridge replacement. Including this option in our grant proposal significantly boosted our project’s competitiveness, demonstrating the importance of innovative funding approaches in infrastructure development.  Without this option, the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge project would never made it to the top of the statewide project list, a requirement for federal grant funding eligibility.

In celebrating our community’s achievement—the largest highway grant in North Carolina’s history—we must acknowledge the perseverance and dedication of all involved. Their commitment to setting aside partisanship and focusing on solutions offers a beacon of hope in these turbulent times. Looking ahead, I hope we can continue prioritizing civility, common ground, and cooperation not only in New Hanover County but throughout our state and nation. Together, we can forge a brighter future, with the new Cape Fear Memorial Bridge standing as a testament to our collective resolve.

Landon Zimmer is a Wilmington native, real estate developer and Gov. Roy Cooper's Division 3 appointee to the N.C. Board of Transportation.