Governor Josh Stein underscored his dedication to bolstering North Carolina’s rural communities during the NC Rural Center’s 2026 Rural Summit. His focus was on enhancing infrastructure and resources, coinciding with the third anniversary of Medicaid expansion in the state, which has significantly improved access to affordable healthcare for over 720,000 residents, including 250,000 in rural areas.
“Our state is home to more than 3.5 million rural North Carolinians, the second-largest rural population in the country,” said Governor Josh Stein. “In North Carolina, where you come from should never limit how far you can go. We must strengthen infrastructure, including broadband, expand access to affordable health care, and invest in workforce development so that rural North Carolina is part of the state’s success story.”
In his ongoing commitment to rural development, Governor Stein recently visited Sampson County as part of his Rural Listening Tour. This initiative involves the Governor and his cabinet engaging with local leaders to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural communities. Additional sessions are planned to cover topics such as health care, economic development, and infrastructure.
Last month, a collaborative effort between Governor Stein and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) resulted in more than $472 million being allocated for water infrastructure improvements across 66 counties. This funding aims to modernize outdated systems and enhance resilience against severe weather, ensuring safer drinking water for communities.
In further support of rural advancement, December saw the approval of over $300 million for high-speed internet projects through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, focusing on underserved rural areas.
Moreover, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), with Governor Stein, secured $213 million from federal sources to enhance rural healthcare under the Rural Health Transformation Program. This funding is set to benefit over 400 facilities and bolster the healthcare workforce through innovative training initiatives.
Recently, Governor Stein participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for AdventHealth Weaverville’s new hospital. The project promises to generate 1,300 jobs and provide more accessible healthcare services to residents of Madison and Yancey counties.
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