The Ag Building is located on the grounds of the original Cornelius High School | Photos courtesy Jack Conard

Sept. 22. By Dave Yochum. A Cornelius history museum took a big step forward when the $30 billion state budget was passed by the Republican-controlled General Assembly today.

The new budget sets aside $500,000 for the museum which will be housed in the old Agriculture Building on Meridian on the Cornelius Elementary School campus.

The Town is in negotiation with CMS to purchase the old building at the site of the former Cornelius High School.

John Bradford

Mayor Woody Washam, himself a museum advocate, credited NC Rep. John Bradford for working to provide the funding which is critical to the museum’s success. The Mayor’s Task Force for the Cornelius History Museum, a 501c3, is working on how the project will move forward, as well as items that will be preserved.

“As a Cornelius native, preserving our rich history is important to me and our citizens,“ Washam said.

The budget

According to Eyewitness News ABC 11 in Raleigh, the Republican-controlled NC Senate gave final approval on the state budget on Friday with a vote of 26 to 17. This [was] after it passed the first round of votes on Thursday.

Mayor Woody Washam | Photo by Jason Benavides

If enacted, the plan would cut personal income taxes, broaden private-school scholarships and expand Medicaid.

Governor Roy Cooper issued a statement shortly after passage and said he will allow the budget to become law, but without his signature.