Significant Grants Boost North Carolina’s Rural Communities
In a move set to invigorate North Carolina’s rural economies, the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has sanctioned 12 grant applications amounting to $1,858,000, as announced by Governor Roy Cooper. These grant-backed ventures are projected to generate 385 jobs, 275 of which were pre-announced, while also drawing over $36.7 million in public and private investments.
Governor Cooper highlighted the transformative potential of these investments, stating, “These investments will not only strengthen our local economy, but also create new opportunities for North Carolina’s rural communities.” The initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster job creation and attract private investment, ultimately aiming for a more resilient future for rural residents.
The RIA benefits from the expertise of the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s rural economic development team. This entity evaluates and endorses funding proposals from local communities. Financial backing derives from various grant and loan programs overseen by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, under the leadership of Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Kenny Flowers. The grants cover a range of activities, including infrastructure development, building renovation, and site improvements.
According to N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders, these grants are vital for rural recovery post-Hurricane Helene, as they lay a robust foundation for future economic opportunities. “By creating new economic opportunities, we’re creating a stronger foundation for the future,” she remarked.
Funding Categories and Projects
The RIA has approved grants under the Building Reuse Program across three categories:
Vacant Building Category
- Town of Lewiston-Woodville (Bertie County): A $25,000 grant will aid in transforming a 5,436-square-foot building for Woodville Market & Smokehouse. This project is projected to create five jobs, with a private investment of $25,000.
- Town of Morehead City (Carteret County): A $140,000 grant will facilitate the reuse of a 7,500-square-foot building for 21st Century Technology Solutions, creating 40 jobs and attracting $325,500 in private investment.
- Duplin County: A $200,000 grant supports NexGen Cabinets’ new East Coast assembly facility in a 700,000-square-foot building, leading to 42 new jobs and $6.7 million in investment.
- Rutherford County: Abstract Ice Inc. will utilize a $200,000 grant to repurpose a 179,600-square-foot building, creating 26 jobs with a $1,569,578 private investment.
- Transylvania County: A $70,000 grant will aid CW Williams & Company in establishing a facility, contingent on local financial support, creating 10 jobs with a $68,844 investment.
- Town of North Wilkesboro (Wilkes County): Provalus will use a $150,000 grant for a Center of Excellence, creating 133 jobs with a $2,496,818 investment.
Existing Business Building Category
- City of Thomasville (Davidson County): A $350,000 grant will assist Unilin North America in expanding by 105,000 square feet, creating 44 jobs with an $18,667,500 private investment.
- City of Sanford (Lee County): A $90,000 grant will help renovate a 20,550-square-foot building for Cashion Fishing Rods, resulting in 13 new jobs and a $1,705,380 investment.
- Stanly County: An $80,000 grant will support Global Packaging Solutions’ renovation project in Albemarle, creating 10 jobs with a $4,726,000 investment.
- Stokes County: Wieland Copper Products will expand their Pine Hall facility with a $300,000 grant, adding 50 jobs and investing $621,526.
Rural Health Building Category
- Beaufort County: A $200,000 grant will aid Agape Health Services in reusing a 4,716-square-foot building, creating 20 jobs and investing $1,121,142.
- Town of Robersonville (Martin County): HealthFirst Wellness will establish a facility with a $53,000 grant, creating eight jobs and investing $335,067.
The Building Reuse Program is designed to renovate vacant buildings, assist existing companies, and develop healthcare facilities, fostering job creation in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties.
Beyond funding approvals, the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority also sets policies and priorities for grant and loan initiatives managed by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development team. Its 17 members are appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President Pro Tem, with the N.C. Secretary of Commerce serving ex officio.
For further details, visit the N.C. Rural Economic Development Division webpage.
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