THE HWY 70 CONNECTOR: July 2026 Edition
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
Dear Neighbor,
The work of the N.C. General Assembly this month has been focused on delivering real results for the people of Eastern North Carolina. With the passage of the 2026 State Budget, we've secured significant investments that will strengthen our communities, support our first responders, improve infrastructure, and create new opportunities across Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties.
In this edition, you'll find a detailed breakdown of the funding we've brought home, along with updates on important local projects, economic development, education, agriculture, and the many community events I've been honored to attend throughout the district. Whether it's advocating for safer roads, celebrating new jobs, recognizing outstanding students, or working alongside local leaders to solve problems, I'm committed to ensuring Eastern North Carolina has a strong voice in Raleigh.
It remains an incredible privilege to serve you in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Thank you for your continued trust and engagement. As always, if my office can ever be of assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.
At your service,
Chris Humphrey
State Representative
CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE 🇺🇸
Thank you to the Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce, the 250th Committee, and everyone who helped organize such a meaningful Independence Day celebration in our community.
The reading of the Declaration of Independence and the rededication of the Masonic cornerstone honoring Richard Caswell were fitting tributes to our nation’s history and Lenoir County’s proud heritage.
NC GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSES STATE BUDGET INTO LAW
The 2026 State Budget has officially passed the N.C. General Assembly and been signed into law — and it includes critical funding for Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties. These targeted investments will directly improve our local infrastructure, strengthen public safety, support our veterans, and enhance the quality of life for families across our region.
Here is a breakdown of what we are bringing home to the people of Eastern North Carolina:
Lenoir County —
✅ $50,000,000 to the NC Global TransPark MRO Facility for planning and construction of the aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility in Kinston.
✅ $400,000 for a new Inclusive Playground, ensuring children of all abilities have a safe, fun place to play.
✅ $400,000 for the Neuseway Nature Center Campground.
✅ $100,000 to the Kinston Police Department for new body-worn and in-car cameras.
✅ $8,800,000 to the National Guard Northeast Region RSOI Site in Kinston for capital improvements.
✅ Lenoir County is re-designated as an Electing County in the TANF State Plan.
Greene County —
✅ $1,400,000 for the construction of a new Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Station to ensure faster response times and state-of-the-art facilities for our first responders.
✅ $400,000 to the Town of Walstonburg for vital water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades.
Jones County —
✅ $3,569,383 for the construction of a brand-new DOT Maintenance Yard, bringing jobs and long-term infrastructure support to the county.
✅ $125,000 to Maysville Fire and EMS for new & upgraded equipment.
✅ $100,000 for critical Communications Equipment upgrades to keep emergency services connected.
✅ $20,000 for water & sewer improvements.
✅ $30,000 for a Veterans Services Officer (VSO) to ensure our local heroes get the care, benefits, and support they earned.
Investing in our infrastructure, our emergency personnel, and our communities is the most important job I have in Raleigh. These funds represent a massive win for our rural communities, ensuring Eastern North Carolina is not left behind.
In addition to the critical local project funding for Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties, this budget delivers results across state government and beyond.
It includes continued personal income tax cuts so North Carolinians can keep more of their hard-earned money — because you know how to spend it better than the government.
It also invests in our teachers, state employees, law enforcement, emergency response, infrastructure, Medicaid integrity, Hurricane Helene relief, and North Carolina’s Rainy Day Fund.
This is a strong, responsible budget that supports our communities, strengthens essential services, and keeps North Carolina moving forward.
UPDATES ON PINELAWN CEMETERY
Pinelawn Cemetery is sacred ground for so many families in our community, including my own. My parents and grandparents are laid to rest there, and I know firsthand how important it is for families to be able to visit their loved ones safely and with dignity. The current road conditions deserve attention, and that's why I have asked the appropriate state body to help determine the proper next steps.
A cemetery should be a place of peace, reflection, and respect. When families come to honor those they love, they should not have to worry about unsafe roads, standing water, or whether a funeral procession can safely move through the grounds. This is about preserving dignity for the families of Kinston and Lenoir County.
This is not about assigning blame. It is about making sure the concerns of our citizens are heard, that the proper process is followed, and that families receive the safe and respectful access they deserve.
UPDATE: Last week, I had a productive conversation with the cemetery management’s Area Vice President, Dan Funchess. I am encouraged by the discussion and believe the company is now making a concerted effort toward improvement.
I was informed that better efforts to address road repairs and drainage issues will take place over the next 4-6 weeks, using local contractors including Barnhill and Keen Plumbing. These repairs may not all happen at once, but this is a positive step forward.
I appreciate everyone who has reached out and shared their concerns. Pinelawn Cemetery is sacred ground for many families in our community, including my own, and I will continue to follow this closely to ensure families have the safe and respectful access they deserve.
RIBBON-CUTTING FOR JUDCO MANUFACTURING IN GREENE COUNTY
Congratulations to Judco Manufacturing on the official ribbon-cutting of its new headquarters and R&D operations in Snow Hill!
This $5.3 million investment and creation of 60 new jobs is great news for Greene County and all of Eastern North Carolina. Strong partnerships between the NC General Assembly, local leaders, and private industry continue to create opportunities for our communities and strengthen our economy.
I look forward to seeing Judco’s continued success and the positive impact it will have on our region for years to come.
MEETING WITH JONES COUNTY MANAGER
I recently had a great lunch visit in Jones County with County Manager Kyle Smith and an intern from ECU, Mauricio. It’s always valuable to hear about local priorities, discuss opportunities for our communities, and connect with those who are investing in the future of Eastern North Carolina. Thank you both for taking the time to meet!
CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2026!
I want to extend my sincere congratulations to every graduating senior across Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties.
From Jones Senior High School, Greene Central, Greene Early College, and all of our Lenoir County Public Schools, including Kinston High, North Lenoir High, South Lenoir High, Lenoir County Early College, and Lenoir County Learning Academy, along with Bethel Christian Academy, Arendell Parrott Academy, and Mt. Calvary Christian Academy, this milestone represents years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
You’ve put in the effort, stayed committed, and reached an important achievement worth celebrating. Whether your next step is college, the workforce, the military, or another path, there is so much ahead for you to be proud of and excited about.
Congratulations, Class of 2026. Wishing you all the best in what comes next!
MEETING WITH COASTAL PLAINS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
It was a pleasure to welcome members of the Coastal Plains Association of Realtors to my office. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with these real estate professionals from Pitt and Lenoir counties — to discuss issues impacting homeowners, property owners, and communities across Eastern North Carolina. I appreciate their advocacy, insights, and commitment to helping families achieve homeownership while supporting economic prosperity throughout our region.
SAYING GOODBYE TO THE OLD GREENE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
The final public walk-through of the old Greene County High School took place on June 11, followed by the public demolition on June 15.
We look forward to the opening of the new Greene Central High School and the Back to School Bash and open house on August 15, 2026. This new facility represents a bright future for Greene County students and our community. Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible.
MEETING WITH NC PORK COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
Thank you to Garret Barwick and Jacob Turner from the NC Pork Council for stopping by to discuss key issues impacting North Carolina's pork producers.
Agriculture remains a vital part of our state's economy, and I appreciate the opportunity to hear their perspectives and discuss ways to support our farming communities.
MEETING WITH JONES COUNTY LEADERS
Thank you to Jones County Board of Commissioners Chairman Frank Emory, Commissioner Mike Haddock, and County Manager Kyle Smith for visiting our legislative office in Raleigh for a great conversation about the future of Jones County.
By working together and focusing on the needs of our citizens, we are continuing to create opportunities and strengthen our communities for generations to come.
PINK HILL & SNOW HILL MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS MOVE TO EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS
House Bill 1035 has officially passed the North Carolina General Assembly and been signed into law by the Governor.
This legislation includes a request from the Town of Pink Hill (Lenoir County) and the Town of Snow Hill, (Greene County) to move their municipal elections to even-numbered years — a common-sense change that will help increase voter participation and reduce election costs.
This idea came from local leaders who took a practical look at what works best for their communities. Holding municipal elections alongside regularly scheduled general elections makes it easier for citizens to participate and ensures more voices are heard in local government.
I was proud to work with Senator Bob Brinson and local officials to help move these requests through the legislative process. Thank you to the Town of Pink Hill and the Town of Snow Hill for their leadership and commitment to strengthening civic engagement.
JONES SENIOR HS STUDENT PARTICIPATES IN GOVERNOR'S PAGE PROGRAM
It was a pleasure to welcome Denyse Cota-Robles from Jones Senior High School to Raleigh during her service as a Governor’s Page. The Governor’s Page Program provides students with a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand experience in state government and learn more about public service.
It is always encouraging to meet young leaders who are engaged in their communities and interested in how government works. Thank you for stopping by, Denyse, and best wishes for a bright future ahead!
MEETING WITH GREENE COUNTY SHERIFF
It was a delight to spend time with Greene County Sheriff Matt Sasser at our legislative office in Raleigh. I appreciate his friendship, leadership, and dedication to serving the people of Greene County. Thanks for the visit and for all you do to keep our communities safe.
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, DORETHEA BRANCH!
Congratulations to Dorethea Branch of La Grange on celebrating her 100th birthday! 🎉🎂
Ms. Branch is truly one of my favorites from La Grange. When I first ran for La Grange Town Council, she was one of the first people I was advised to contact. Even though we were in different parties, she became one of my most trusted advisors and someone I could count on to help gauge each situation affecting the Town.
Her lifetime of service as a social worker, educator, business owner, volunteer, and community leader has left a lasting mark on La Grange and Lenoir County. I am grateful for her wisdom, her example, and her friendship.
Happy 100th birthday, Dorethea!
HONORING THE LIFE OF SENATOR LOUIS M. PATE, JR.
Earlier this month, we honored the incredible life and enduring legacy of Senator Louis M. Pate, Jr.
Louis was a true statesman, a dedicated public servant, and a proud U.S. Air Force veteran who spent decades working to lift up eastern North Carolina.
From his time as Mayor of Mount Olive to his years of leadership in the NC General Assembly, his integrity and devotion to our communities left a mark that won't soon be forgotten.
It is a privilege to carry on the work of serving the people he loved so much!
IN MEMORY OF MAYOR BOB TAYLOR
Greene County is going to deeply miss former Hookerton Mayor Bob Taylor’s steady leadership, faithful service, and tireless commitment to his community. He was a true public servant and a dear friend to so many.
Rest in peace, my friend.
IN MEMORY OF SUSAN M. BLIZZARD
Greene County lost a true public servant with the passing of Susan Blizzard.
Susan was a beloved teacher, dedicated EMT, breast cancer survivor, and County Commissioner who spent her life serving others. Whether in the classroom, on emergency calls, advocating for county employees, or working to improve her community — she led with conviction, compassion, and integrity.
My thoughts and prayers are with Steve, her children, grandchildren, and all who knew and loved her. Susan’s legacy of selfless service will continue to inspire Greene County for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Susan.
