North Carolina Approves $2.2M in Grants to Boost Rural Infrastructure

North Carolina Boosts Rural Development with $2.2 Million in Grants

In a significant move to bolster economic growth in rural North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein has announced that the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has sanctioned nine grants for local governments, totaling $2,236,000. These grants are poised to create 219 jobs, bolstered by over $504 million in expected private investments.

“These infrastructure grants strengthen the foundation for growth in rural North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This funding helps towns and counties compete for new economic development opportunities and create lasting prosperity for North Carolinians across our state.”

The grant approvals were facilitated by the rural economic development team at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, under the leadership of Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Reginald Speight. The RIA, comprised of appointed members, reviews and approves these requests, providing financial backing through various specialized grant and loan programs. These grants are designated for infrastructure development, building renovations, expansions, demolitions, and site improvements.

“Investing in rural communities is essential to North Carolina’s continued economic growth and success,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “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 Grants

The RIA has approved six grants under the state’s Building Reuse Program, including:

Vacant Building Category

• Cleveland County: A $129,000 grant will aid the reuse of a 26,447-square-foot building in Shelby for Safety Test & Equipment Company, generating 17 jobs with a $137,050 investment.
• City of Fayetteville (Cumberland County): A $152,000 grant will transform a 17,170-square-foot building in Fayetteville for Sigma Crossings & Railroad Products, Inc., creating 20 jobs with a $3,581,000 investment.

Existing Business Building Category

• Beaufort County: A $50,000 grant supports the renovation of a 175,000-square-foot building for MJM Yachts in Washington, bringing 13 jobs with a $140,076 investment.
• Pitt County: An $80,000 grant will facilitate a 56,260-square-foot expansion in Greenville for Edgecombe Furniture, creating 10 jobs with a $3,847,222 investment.
• Vance County: A $144,000 grant enables a 100,000-square-foot expansion in Henderson for Select Products Holdings, LLC, leading to 18 jobs and a $23,856,000 investment.
• City of Wilson (Wilson County): A $500,000 grant will rejuvenate a 310,000-square-foot facility in Wilson for Reckitt Benckiser, with this part of the project tied to 112 jobs and a $432,600,000 investment.

Rural Downtown Economic Development Program Grants

Two grants were approved under the Rural Downtown Economic Development program, aimed at revitalizing downtown areas:

Public Buildings Category

• Town of Clinton (Sampson County): An $81,000 grant will restore the Clinton Theatre’s roof, leveraging an additional $10,019 investment.

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

Finally, the RIA approved one grant under the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account program:

• Scotland County: A $1,000,000 grant will enhance sewer and water infrastructure at the Southeast Regional Airport Authority Industrial Park for Great Southern Wood Preserving, linked to a $40 million investment and 29 jobs.

The RIA plays a crucial role in policy formation for the grant and loan programs managed by the Commerce Department’s Rural Economic Development team. Comprising 17 voting members appointed by key state officials, the authority aims to fortify the economic framework of North Carolina’s rural communities.