Efforts to revitalize North Carolina’s rural regions received a significant boost as Governor Josh Stein publicized the approval of four new grants. These grants, amounting to $1,872,019, promise to spur job creation and attract substantial private investment into the state’s economy.
Investing in Rural Progress
“North Carolina’s rural communities are essential to our state’s economy and culture,” Governor Josh Stein stated while announcing the grants. He emphasized the strategic nature of these funds in enhancing facilities, services, and healthcare access to foster growth and opportunities in smaller towns.
The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA), supported by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, plays a pivotal role in this initiative. The RIA’s responsibilities include reviewing and approving funding requests submitted by local governments, with finances sourced from various specialized grant and loan programs. These programs aim to support infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion, demolition, and site improvements.
Building Reuse Program
Under the Building Reuse Program, the RIA sanctioned three grants falling under two distinct categories:
Vacant Building Category
- Anson County: A grant of $500,000 will be allocated to repurpose a 28,441-square-foot facility in Ansonville. This project will see Halal Meat Slaughter House, Inc., a family-owned meat processing company, expand its operations, generating 61 jobs and $4,465,631 in investments.
- Gaston County: Another $500,000 grant will aid the utilization of a 175,239-square-foot structure in Bessemer City. Healsee Capsules, Inc., a global manufacturer, plans to establish its second U.S. location here, intending to create 95 jobs and invest $69.5 million.
Rural Health Building Category
- Alexander County: With a grant of $175,000, Urgent Care of Mountain View, LLC will transition to a modern 15,995-square-foot facility in Taylorsville, expanding its healthcare services. This initiative is expected to introduce 14 jobs and channel an investment of $551,143.
Utility Account for Infrastructure Development
The RIA also endorsed one grant under the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account:
- Burke County: A $697,019 grant will facilitate the installation of over 2,500 feet of natural gas pipeline within the Burke Business Park. Established in 2005, this 83-acre industrial park aims to benefit significantly from this infrastructure enhancement.
The Building Reuse Program provides grants to local governments to renovate vacant buildings, renovate and/or expand buildings occupied by existing North Carolina companies, and renovate, expand, or construct health care facilities that will lead to the creation of new jobs in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties, as well as rural census tracts of Tier 3 counties.
Leadership and Future Directions
The N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority, consisting of 17 appointed members, not only evaluates funding applications but also sets priorities for grant and loan schemes. At a recent meeting, new officers were elected, with William “Bill” Webb from Richmond County assuming the role of chairman, and Joe Sam Queen from Haywood County stepping in as vice-chair.
To learn more about these initiatives, visit the Rural Economic Development Division webpage.
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