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Spring Lake welcomes Pope as residents

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Ethel Clark, mayor of the Town of Spring Lake, presented Cols. John McDonald, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander and Merle Hart, 440th AW Commander, with a proclamation of citizenship commemorating the annexation of Pope Dec. 16.

The annexation passed as part of North Carolina Session Law 2008-74 North Carolina House Bill 2414 back in September; however, it was not until Dec. 16 that Pope leadership was officially presented with the proclamation. The bill passed due to special legislation adopted for the City of Fayetteville, the town of Spring Lake, Cumberland County, Pope and Fort Bragg as a way to combine efforts in a regional partnership.

In simple terms, this annexation means that Pope's 2,158 acres have officially become part of Spring Lake, increasing the population to approximately 13,200 acres and making all the residents of Pope residents of Spring Lake, Larry Faison, Spring Lake town manager, said.

"I think people will most appreciate the additional services now available to them from the town, the increased cooperation between the town's leadership and the leadership of the base and the continued emergency services provided on an as needed basis," Mr. Faison said.

Mayor Clark and Mr. Faison came up with the annexation idea out of their desire to strengthen the ties and relationship between Pope and the town. Because of this partnership, Pope members are now free to share in many of the advantages Spring Lake offers.

Some of the benefits offered are direct access to recreation services and benefits at resident's rates, representation in local and city elections, and even allowing members to vote in local and city elections if residency is claimed. In turn Spring Lake benefits from the increased population which yields a larger part of shared revenue from the state based on total population, most notably in the areas of Powell Bill funds and utility franchises, the town manager said.

"The annexation benefits the town and the base by expanding several services the residents of the base can take advantage and boosts the economy of the town," Mr. Faison added. "It builds on an array of benefits and existing opportunities that the region has developed with BRAC as a catalyst."

"This proclamation officially recognizes the tremendous long-time relationship between Pope and the Town of Spring Lake," Colonel McDonald said. "Mayor Ethel Clark is one of Pope's most ardent proponents and has been involved with the base for years. Many of our families live in Spring Lake and have been welcomed with opened arms and in turn are very involved in community events. It is an honor to officially become a part of Spring Lake."

The mayor and town manager felt the region was ripe for this step to happen now because of BRAC.

"The town is prepared to handle the growth and influx stemming from the annexation and both are poised to create a partnership suited for flourish," Mr. Faison said.

He said he hopes the end result is positive growth, lasting and stable partnership as well as room to tackle and address any and all opportunities and challenges along the way.