Significant Investment in North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Announced
In an effort to bolster North Carolina’s rural communities, Governor Josh Stein has revealed that the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has sanctioned nine grant requests totaling $2,941,000. These grants are projected to create 137 jobs and spur more than $52 million in private and public investments.
“North Carolina’s rural communities are excellent places to live, work, and do business,” Governor Josh Stein stated. “The latest rural infrastructure grants support these communities even more by helping to create jobs, expand access to health care, and strengthen downtowns.”
The RIA, part of the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, operates under the leadership of Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Reginald Speight. The authority evaluates funding applications from local municipalities, drawing resources from specialized grant and loan programs. These funds are allocated for infrastructure development, building renovations, expansions, demolitions, and site improvements.
“We are excited by the opportunities to partner with our state’s rural communities through these infrastructure grant projects,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “These investments will help rural North Carolina grow jobs, expand opportunity, and improve people’s quality of life.”
Building Reuse Initiatives
The RIA has approved five grants under the Building Reuse Program, categorized into three segments:
Vacant Building Initiative
- Rockingham County: A $500,000 grant will facilitate the transformation of a 216,086-square-foot building in Reidsville to accommodate Joyalways Corporation, a wet wipes manufacturer. The project is expected to create 44 jobs and attract an investment of $10,757,500.
- Transylvania County: A $75,000 grant will help repurpose a 4,100-square-foot building in Brevard for Nature Trails NC, LLC, a company specializing in outdoor trail structures. The initiative is set to create 16 jobs with an investment of $80,745.
Expansion of Existing Business
- Hertford County: Structural Coating Hertford, LLC, plans to expand its Cofield facility with a $280,000 grant. By adding 5,026 square feet, the company anticipates creating 35 jobs and investing $1,674,659.
Rural Health Developments
- City of Rocky Mount (Edgecombe County): The Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Rocky Mount will reuse a 13,330-square-foot facility with a $375,000 grant. The Family Medical Center aims to create 30 jobs and invest $13,426,500.
- Town of Pembroke (Robeson County): A $150,000 grant will aid in constructing a 29,000-square-foot facility for Robeson Health Care Corporation, expanding its services with 12 new jobs and a $11,442,615 investment.
The Building Reuse Program supports renovations and expansions that create jobs in economically challenged counties.
Rural Downtown Economic Development Support
Four grants were approved under the Rural Downtown Economic Development program, divided into two categories:
Public Buildings Projects
- Town of Williamston (Martin County): A $200,000 grant will convert the Old Police Department into a community space, drawing an investment of $11,364.
- Town of Stoneville (Rockingham County): Another $200,000 grant will revitalize a vacant building for a financial institution, leveraging $12,500 in investment.
Public Infrastructure Initiatives
- Town of Pembroke (Robeson County): A $311,000 grant will transform a vacant lot into a public space, leveraging $15,550 in investments.
- Town of Boone (Watauga County): An $850,000 grant will enhance pedestrian safety with infrastructure upgrades, attracting $15,111,703 in investments.
The Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants aim to foster economic growth and revitalization in downtown areas, offering improvements to retain and attract businesses.
The N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority, which comprises 17 voting members appointed by state leaders, also develops policies for rural development grants and loans. For more information, visit the Rural Economic Development Division webpage.
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