In a significant boost to North Carolina’s rural development, nine grants totaling $2,236,000 have been approved for local governments. The grants are set to create 219 jobs, of which 141 had been announced earlier, and are anticipated to spur over $504 million in private investments across various projects.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the importance of these grants, asserting, “These infrastructure grants strengthen the foundation for growth in rural North Carolina. This funding helps towns and counties compete for new economic development opportunities and create lasting prosperity for North Carolinians across our state.”
The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, led by Assistant Secretary Reginald Speight, plays a crucial role in this initiative. The division’s Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) reviews and approves funding requests, supporting infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion, demolition, and site improvements.
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the program’s impact, stating, “Investing in rural communities is essential to North Carolina’s continued economic growth and success. By strengthening the public infrastructure that supports local economies, we can enhance our state’s competitiveness, attract new businesses, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities for communities across North Carolina.”
Building Reuse Program
The RIA has sanctioned six grants under the Building Reuse Program. These grants support both vacant buildings and existing business buildings, aiming to create jobs and drive investments.
Vacant Building Category
- Cleveland County: A $129,000 grant aids Safety Test & Equipment Company in transforming a 26,447-square-foot building in Shelby, resulting in 17 new jobs and a $137,050 investment.
- City of Fayetteville (Cumberland County): A $152,000 grant supports Sigma Crossings & Railroad Products, Inc. in Fayetteville, with plans to generate 20 jobs and attract $3,581,000 in investments.
Existing Business Building Category
- Beaufort County: MJM Yachts will benefit from a $50,000 grant to renovate a 175,000-square-foot facility in Washington, creating 13 jobs and investing $140,076.
- Pitt County: An $80,000 grant will facilitate a 56,260-square-foot expansion for Edgecombe Furniture in Greenville, expected to create 10 jobs and invest $3,847,222.
- Vance County: Select Products Holdings, LLC will expand a building in Henderson with a $144,000 grant, creating 18 jobs and investing $23,856,000.
- City of Wilson (Wilson County): A $500,000 grant will support the renovation of a 310,000-square-foot building for Reckitt Benckiser, leading to 289 jobs, with 112 tied to the grant and an investment of $432,600,000.
Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants
Two grants have been approved under the Rural Downtown Economic Development program, focusing on public buildings and infrastructure.
Public Buildings Category
- Town of Clinton (Sampson County): An $81,000 grant will aid in restoring the Clinton Theatre’s roof, capitalizing on a $10,019 investment to preserve its interior.
Public Infrastructure Category
- Town of Elkin (Surry County): A $100,000 grant will enhance ADA accessibility and pedestrian connectivity for the Elkin Public Library, leveraging an additional $8,053 investment.
Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account
One grant under the Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account has been granted:
- Scotland County: A $1,000,000 grant will support utility improvements at the Southeast Regional Airport Authority Industrial Park, facilitating Great Southern Wood Preserving’s operations with a $40 million investment and creating 29 jobs.
The RIA’s comprehensive approach includes setting policies and priorities for the grant and loan programs. 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 webpage.
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