Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Craven County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues with high priority
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport Expansion Grants
County Manager Jack Veit announced the county won a SCASIG federal grant aimed at daily commercial flights to Dulles Airport, adding to existing Breeze and American service.
NCDOI Grant Match for Fire Departments
Six Craven County volunteer fire departments got state NCDOI grants and the county's $418,558 match, buying turnout gear, air packs, radios, extrication tools and pagers. Commissioners noted this keeps fire tax increases down.
Craven County Nature Park Development
Resident Anne Corby donated $10,000 for phase one of the bike trails, with construction starting this month at the new county nature park.
Foster Care and Adoption Placement Needs
A local behavioral health provider told commissioners children are sleeping in DSS offices and foster homes are scarce; she asked the county to opt into the special children's adoption incentive fund and support a family reunification program.
NC Lottery Funds Distribution for Tucker Creek Middle School
The school board got $5.7 million in lottery funds released for the Tucker Creek Middle School addition, which is nearly dried-in and on track for next summer.
Medicaid Expansion Administrative Mandates and Staffing
New federal and state rules require Craven County Social Services to handle much tighter work requirements, frequent eligibility reviews, and verification checks. To prevent penalties and backpay, the board approved 13 new positions and computer equipment costing $622,880, which is fully covered by state and federal funding.
Craven Community College Health Sciences Expansion
College leaders requested a 5.29% funding increase for FY27 and highlighted major capital projects like the Corporate Training Center and Public Safety Training Center.
Election Voting
Early voting kicks off Thursday morning in Craven County, giving you a chance to cast your ballot early and dodge those annoying election day lines. Plan ahead and map out when you're going to vote!
FY26 CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Grant
The county authorized $32,200 for court-ordered trash removal and demolition of dilapidated mobile homes at Sandy Ridge Mobile Home Park to protect community health and safety.
NCDOT Traffic Reconfigurations and James City Congestion
Craven County is spending $400,256 to relocate over seven miles of fiber-optic cables along Highway 70 due to the I-42 expansion. NCDOT will reimburse most of the cost, leaving the county to cover a portion that doubles network capacity.