North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Boosts with Over $1.8 Million in Grants
Raleigh, N.C.
In a significant push to enhance economic growth in rural communities, the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has sanctioned 12 grants totaling $1,858,000 to various local governments. These investments are expected to generate 385 jobs, with 275 positions already announced, and are poised to attract over $36.7 million in both public and private investments, according to Governor Roy Cooper.
Governor Cooper emphasized the potential impact of these investments, stating, “These investments will not only strengthen our local economy, but also create new opportunities for North Carolina’s rural communities. By supporting job growth and attracting private investment, we are helping to build a more resilient and prosperous future for our rural residents.”
The RIA, backed by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s rural economic development team, plays a crucial role in evaluating and approving funding proposals from communities across the state. Managed by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Kenny Flowers, the grants cover a range of activities including infrastructure development, building renovation, and site enhancements.
“As we continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, these grants are a critical investment in the future of our rural communities,” noted N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “By creating new economic opportunities, we’re creating a stronger foundation for the future.”
Building Reuse Program Grants
The RIA has allocated 12 grants under the state’s Building Reuse Program, which is divided into three categories:
Vacant Building Category
- Town of Lewiston-Woodville (Bertie County): A $25,000 grant will fund the transformation of a 5,436-square-foot building into Woodville Market & Smokehouse, creating five jobs and matching a private investment of $25,000.
- Town of Morehead City (Carteret County): With a $140,000 grant, a 7,500-square-foot building will house 21st Century Technology Solutions, leading to 40 new jobs and a private investment of $325,500.
- Duplin County: A $200,000 grant will convert a 700,000-square-foot vacant building in Wallace into NexGen Cabinets’ East Coast facility, creating 42 jobs and attracting a $6.7 million investment.
- Rutherford County: A $200,000 grant will repurpose a 179,600-square-foot building for Abstract Ice Inc., creating 26 jobs and leveraging a $1,569,578 investment.
- Transylvania County: A $70,000 grant will renovate an 8,400-square-foot building in Brevard for CW Williams & Company, contingent on local support, to create 10 jobs with a $68,844 investment.
- Town of North Wilkesboro (Wilkes County): A $150,000 grant will transform a 16,236-square-foot building for Provalus, an IT firm, creating 133 jobs with a $2,496,818 investment.
Existing Business Building Category
- City of Thomasville (Davidson County): A $350,000 grant will expand Unilin North America’s facility by 105,000 square feet, expected to create 44 jobs and an $18,667,500 investment.
- City of Sanford (Lee County): A $90,000 grant will renovate a 20,550-square-foot building for Cashion Fishing Rods, creating 13 jobs with a $1,705,380 investment.
- Stanly County: An $80,000 grant will upgrade a 34,230-square-foot building in Albemarle for Global Packaging Solutions, projected to create 10 jobs with a $4,726,000 investment.
- Stokes County: A $300,000 grant will expand Wieland Copper Products, LLC’s facility in Pine Hall, creating 50 jobs with a $621,526 investment.
Rural Health Building Category
- Beaufort County: A $200,000 grant will enable Agape Health Services to utilize a 4,716-square-foot building in Aurora, creating 20 jobs and a $1,121,142 investment.
- Town of Robersonville (Martin County): A $53,000 grant will allow HealthFirst Wellness to establish a facility, creating eight jobs with a $335,067 investment.
The Building Reuse Program is designed to assist local governments in renovating and expanding buildings, contributing to job creation in less economically developed areas.
The N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority not only reviews funding requests but also sets policies and priorities for grant and loan programs. Its membership consists of 17 voting members appointed by government leaders, with the N.C. Secretary of Commerce serving ex officio.
To learn more, visit the N.C. Rural Economic Development Division webpage.
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