Winston Salem Times

Mayor Allen Joines and Rep. Donny Lambeth announced today that the recently enacted budget for the State of North Carolina includes an appropriation of $35 million to support economic development activities and infrastructure improvements that will reinforce Winston-Salem’s position as a tourism, sports and entertainment district that serves the Piedmont region and Northwest North Carolina. 

Two other appropriations will also greatly enhance the community’s visitor attractiveness. These include a $37 million appropriation for the second phase of work at the Kenneth R. Williams Auditorium on the campus of Winston-Salem State University. 

The third appropriation was $51 million for the second phase of work at the Roger L. Stevens Center for the Performing Arts. 

The $35 million appropriation will support the city’s efforts to enhance the infrastructure in the area surrounding Baity Street, north of Coliseum Drive and south of Reynolds Boulevard. This will also make the area even more attractive to the citizens of Winston-Salem as well as visitors to the numerous events and programs offered in this area. 

This area attracts more than 750,000 patrons and visitors annually at events that occur on more than 260 days each year. 

Major attractions in this area include Wake Forest University and ACC sports events; the Carolina Classic Fair; the Carolina Thunderbirds, the Winston-Salem Open, as well as major concerts that have recently included Paul McCartney, Charlie Wilson, Billy Strings, John Anderson, Clint Black and Hootie and The Blowfish. 

“This generous appropriation from the state is greatly appreciated along with the other appropriations that will assist in bolstering Winston-Salem’s status as a host city for major sporting, entertainment and cultural events,” Joines said. “We thank Rep. Lambeth, Rep. Amber Baker and Rep. Kanika Brown along with Sen. Paul Lowe and Sen. Joyce Krawiec for their hard work in securing these very needed funds for our community.” 

“I am pleased to have worked with Mayor Joines and the leadership of the North Carolina General Assembly to provide significant economic development funding for these projects that will benefit Winston-Salem and the region,” Lambeth said. “This redevelopment will enhance the quality of life for all our citizens and visitors.” 

North Ward Council Member and Mayor Pro Tempore Denise D. Adams said that she welcomed this tremendous investment in the North Ward that also will enhance the city’s profile as a great place to live, work, play and stay. 

“We will use these funds to address parking, traffic and pedestrian issues for the coliseum/fairgrounds area,” she said. 

“Wake Forest is proud to be a partner in these important commitments to the collective well-being of our community and to be one of the many reasons people come to visit and fall in love with Winston-Salem,” Wake Forest University President Susan R. Wente said.

Original source can be found here.