NC Approves $1.65M in Grants for Rural Infrastructure, Creating 215 Jobs

In a bid to bolster economic growth in rural areas, North Carolina has announced significant infrastructure investments through the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA). Governor Josh Stein revealed that a total of $1,657,500 in grants will be distributed among seven local government projects, generating a potential $41 million in combined public and private investments and the creation of 215 jobs.

Rural Economic Boost

The RIA, which operates under the guidance of the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, has approved these grants to support infrastructure development across various counties. This funding aims to revitalize rural economies by improving essential facilities, supporting local businesses, and expanding job opportunities.

“Investing in rural infrastructure unlocks opportunity,” Governor Josh Stein stated. “When we strengthen rural North Carolina, we empower local economies, we connect our people to critical services, and we ensure that no matter where someone lives, we offer them a fair shot at success.”

Grant Allocation and Job Creation

The approved grants are categorized under the Building Reuse Program, with projects divided into those involving vacant buildings and those focused on existing business buildings. This initiative is instrumental in renovating and expanding facilities, thereby attracting investment and creating jobs.

Vacant Building Projects:

Anson County: A 29,000-square-foot building in Wadesboro will be repurposed for Hinson & Hale Medical Technologies, Inc., creating 59 jobs with a $225,000 grant and an investment of $1,403,214.

Henderson County: HiVIZ LED Lighting, Inc. will occupy a 31,000-square-foot building in Fletcher, supported by an $80,000 grant, creating 10 jobs and investing $931,649.

Rockingham County: A $500,000 grant will transform a 162,000-square-foot building in Eden for use by TSEA Energy, fostering 36 jobs and $24,417,020 in investments.

Existing Business Building Projects:

Cherokee County: A $40,000 grant will help Aegis Power Systems, Inc. renovate a building in Murphy, creating 10 jobs with a $161,533 investment.

Gaston County: DePalo Foods in Belmont will expand its facility by 25,000 square feet with a $187,500 grant, creating 30 jobs and investing $8,352,276.

Robeson County: C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC will renovate a 350,000-square-foot building in Lumberton, supported by a $400,000 grant, resulting in 50 jobs and a $3,100,000 investment.

Stanly County: Michelin North America, Inc. will expand its aviation tire production in Norwood, with a $225,000 grant aiding in creating 30 jobs and a $28.1 million investment.

Program and Policy Framework

The Building Reuse Program is designed to support local governments in renovating and expanding buildings to stimulate economic growth in rural and underserved areas. The program focuses on creating opportunities in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties and rural parts of Tier 3 counties.

In addition to evaluating funding requests, the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority develops policies for grant and loan programs administered by the Commerce Department’s Rural Economic Development team. The authority consists of 17 voting members appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President Pro Tem, with the North Carolina Secretary of Commerce serving as an ex officio member.

For further information, visit the Rural Economic Development Division’s webpage.