North Carolina’s Ports support more than 76,000 jobs statewide, according to a new economic impact study presented to the North Carolina State Ports Authority Board of Directors today. The economic impact study, conducted by the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) at N.C. State University, found that goods moving through the Port of Wilmington and the Port of Morehead City combine to generate more than $14 billion to the state’s economy. The findings also show that activities at North Carolina’s ports contribute more than $700 million in state and local taxes.
“The North Carolina State Ports Authority plays a vital role in job creation throughout the state,” said NCDOT Secretary Tony Tata. “The numbers in this study highlight the value of our ports personnel and why it is so important to expand economic opportunities with our ports consistent with the Governor’s 25 Year Vision.” “North Carolina Ports are a conduit for economic activity in the state,” said Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Cozza. “We are proud not only to support our state’s economy, but to be a gateway for North Carolina to global commerce.” ITRE became a member of the North Carolina Transportation Consortium in 2002 and has been a leader in transportation research for over a decade. The N.C. State inter-institutional research center partnered with the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Cameron School of Business for this study.