North Carolina Boosts Rural Economies with Over $1.6 Million in Grants
In a significant move to bolster rural communities, North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved seven grant requests, totaling $1,657,500. This funding aims to create 215 jobs across the state, with 26 positions previously announced. The grants are expected to drive an additional investment of approximately $41 million, leading to the creation of 189 new jobs.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “Investing in rural infrastructure unlocks opportunity. When we strengthen rural North Carolina, we empower local economies, connect our people to critical services, and ensure that no matter where someone lives, we offer them a fair shot at success.”
The RIA operates under the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Reginald Speight. This division administers specialized grant and loan programs to support infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion, demolition, and site improvements.
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the state’s significant rural population, saying, “North Carolina has the second-largest rural population in America. These grants are critical to strengthening the economic competitiveness of our state from Murphy to Manteo and are direct investments in the long-term vitality of every rural community.”
Grant Categories and Details
The approved grants fall under the state’s Building Reuse Program, divided into two categories: Vacant Building and Existing Business Building.
Vacant Building Category
- Anson County: A $225,000 grant will aid in repurposing a 29,000-square-foot building in Wadesboro for Hinson & Hale Medical Technologies, Inc. The project will create 59 jobs with a $1,403,214 investment.
- Henderson County: An $80,000 grant supports the reuse of a 31,000-square-foot building in Fletcher for HiVIZ LED Lighting, Inc., expected to create 10 jobs and invest $931,649.
- Rockingham County: A $500,000 grant will facilitate the reuse of a 162,000-square-foot building in Eden for TSEA Energy, creating 36 jobs, with 26 tied to the grant and an investment of $24,417,020.
Existing Business Building Category
- Cherokee County: A $40,000 grant will support building renovations in Murphy for Aegis Power Systems, Inc., leading to 10 new jobs and an investment of $161,533.
- Gaston County: A $187,500 grant will expand a Belmont facility for DePalo Foods, adding 25,000 square feet to create 30 jobs with an $8,352,276 investment.
- Robeson County: A $400,000 grant will renovate a 350,000-square-foot building in Lumberton for C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC, resulting in 50 jobs and a $3,100,000 investment.
- Stanly County: A $225,000 grant will enhance a 407,000-square-foot facility in Norwood for Michelin North America, Inc., creating 30 jobs and facilitating a $28.1 million investment, with $2,239,000 tied to the grant.
The Building Reuse Program offers grants for renovating vacant buildings, expanding structures occupied by current North Carolina companies, and developing health care facilities in Tier 1, Tier 2, and rural Tier 3 counties to spur job creation.
The Rural Infrastructure Authority not only approves funding requests but also formulates policies for grant and loan programs, with its 17 voting members appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President Pro Tem. The N.C. Secretary of Commerce serves as an ex officio member.
For further details, visit the Rural Economic Development Division’s webpage.
Read More Here
