CFCC's boat, the Cape HatterasWILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Cape Fear Community College's Marine Technology program could sink if Governor Pat McCrory's budget is passed.
The governor released details of his proposed budget Wednesday. He is recommending that funding be cut in half for the program, which CFCC spokesman David Hardin said would destroy the program.
Right now, 120 students are enrolled; it's the only program of its kind in the state.
Marine Tech grads end up working in fields like commercial fishing and shipping.
94% of its graduates get jobs right out of college.
"For over 50 years employers have counted on the training that we've provided for this program to train their workers in a wide range of maritime industries," said Hardin. "It is critical for the industry to be able to have trained workers. That's what this program does. Bottom line: cutting the funding for this program is going to reduce the number of people who are getting jobs."
CFCC is urging the local members of the General Assembly to fight to keep the funding in place.
Officials also plan to persuade the governor to keep funding in place when he is at the college Thursday for the groundbreaking of the school's new Fine Arts Center.
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