North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Initiatives Garner Significant Investments
In a move to bolster rural economies across North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein has announced the approval of 12 grant applications by the state’s Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA). These grants amount to a total of $5,876,853 and are expected to create 277 jobs, with 71 positions having been previously disclosed. The combined efforts of public and private sectors are predicted to generate over $43 million in investments.
“When rural North Carolina wins, all of North Carolina wins,” stated Governor Stein. “These grants are strengthening infrastructure, increasing rural economic competitiveness, and giving more people the opportunity to have a great job close to home.”
The RIA, which operates under the North Carolina Department of Commerce, plays a crucial role in examining and approving financial assistance requests from local communities. The funding is sourced from various special grant and loan programs managed by the department’s Rural Economic Division, under the leadership of Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Reginald Speight. These grants cover a diverse range of projects, from infrastructure development to building renovation and demolition.
“Investing in our rural communities is more than infrastructure; it’s providing opportunity,” expressed N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Companies are looking for great places to work, live and play, and with commercial buildings and industrial sites that are ready to be activated, every corner of the state becomes the best place to do business.”
Building Reuse Program: A Key Focus
Seven of the approved grants fall under the Building Reuse Program. Projects vary between renovating vacant buildings and expanding existing ones, aimed at boosting job creation and economic growth in rural locales.
Vacant Building Category
- Craven County: A $360,000 grant will renovate a facility in New Bern, enabling Chatsworth Products to expand manufacturing operations. This project anticipates the creation of 45 jobs and will involve an investment of $635,860.
- City of Fayetteville (Cumberland County): An $80,000 grant will be used to repurpose a building for Benjamin Stout Real Estate Services, a homebuilding and real estate firm, creating 10 new jobs with an investment of $757,313.
- Forsyth County: A $175,000 grant will facilitate the reuse of a large building in Winston-Salem by GMAX Industries, generating 36 jobs and attracting investments totaling $5,788,000.
- Halifax County: A $174,000 grant will support renovations for East Coast Solutions in Weldon, a startup focused on animal protein blending for feed and pet food, creating 20 jobs with an investment of $175,880.
Existing Business Building Category
- Buncombe County: A $100,000 grant will help Southeastern Container renovate a large facility, creating 12 jobs and securing an investment of $8,105,624.
- Town of Tarboro (Edgecombe County): A $500,000 grant will aid LS Cable and System USA in renovating their building to produce cables and systems, resulting in 85 new jobs with a private investment of $10,882,000.
- Surry County: A $500,000 grant will support the expansion of Altec Industries’ facility in Mount Airy, generating 79 jobs with an investment of $9,668,000.
The Building Reuse Program aims to revitalize unused or underutilized buildings, leading to new job opportunities and economic upliftment in rural areas.
Industrial and Downtown Development Programs
Beyond building reuse, two grants were approved under the Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account, focusing on enhancing infrastructure to support economic growth.
- Nash County: A $236,453 grant is designated for sewer infrastructure expansion, with a private investment of $6.5 million accompanying the project.
- Town of North Wilkesboro (Wilkes County): A $1,201,400 grant will enhance road and utility services at Wilkes Industrial Park, as the town seeks NC Certified Sites certification.
The Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account supports infrastructure projects in economically distressed counties, promoting job creation through strategic investments.
Additionally, the Rural Downtown Economic Development program approved three grants aimed at urban rejuvenation.
- City of Washington (Beaufort County): An $850,000 grant will enhance the city’s streetscape, fostering public and private investments of $629,523.
- Town of Longview (Catawba County): An $850,000 grant will improve sidewalks, enhancing downtown connectivity, with investments totaling $142,823.
- Town of Edenton (Chowan County): An $850,000 grant will upgrade downtown lighting, encouraging investments of $458,331.
The Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants play a pivotal role in rejuvenating downtown areas, fostering economic growth, and encouraging public and private partnerships.
For further details on the initiatives and programs under the Rural Economic Development Division, please visit their webpage.
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