Governor Josh Stein announced that the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved four grants totaling $1,872,019 for local governments. These grants are expected to create 170 jobs and draw more than $74.5 million in private investment.
“North Carolina’s rural communities are essential to our state’s economy and culture,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These rural infrastructure grants are a strategic investment in facilities, public services, and accessible health care that will lead to growth and opportunity in small towns across our state.”
The RIA operates with support from the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s rural economic development team. Funding comes from specialized grant and loan programs managed by the Rural Economic Development Division under Assistant Secretary Reginald Speight. The grants target infrastructure development, building renovations, expansions, demolitions, and site improvements.
“When we help cultivate the conditions for economic prosperity in rural North Carolina, our whole state benefits,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “We are America’s top state for business in part because of the strong partnerships we have with our rural counties and municipalities, which use RIA grants as tools to support the creation of good jobs.”
Three of the approved grants fall under the Building Reuse Program:
In Anson County, a $500,000 grant will support Halal Meat Slaughter House, Inc., which plans to relocate to a 28,441-square-foot building in Ansonville. This move is expected to create 61 jobs and involves an investment of $4.47 million.
Gaston County will receive a $500,000 grant for Healsee Capsules, Inc., a manufacturer planning its second U.S. location at a 175,239-square-foot building in Bessemer City. The project aims to create 95 jobs with an investment of $69.5 million.
Alexander County will benefit from a $175,000 grant allowing Urgent Care of Mountain View, LLC to expand into a larger facility in Taylorsville. The urgent care provider expects to create 14 new jobs through an investment of over $550,000.
The Building Reuse Program supports renovation or expansion projects that lead to job creation in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties or rural census tracts within Tier 3 counties.
The fourth grant was awarded under the Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account program:
Burke County received $697,019 to install more than 2,500 feet of natural gas pipeline serving Burke Business Park. The park covers 83 acres and was established in 2005.
The Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account provides grants for publicly owned infrastructure projects in economically distressed counties classified as Tier 1 or Tier 2.
In addition to reviewing funding requests, the RIA also sets policies for grant and loan programs run by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development team. Its board consists of 17 voting members appointed by state officials; the Secretary of Commerce serves ex officio.
At its recent meeting, William “Bill” Webb from Richmond County was elected chairman while Joe Sam Queen from Haywood County became vice-chair.
More details can be found on the Rural Economic Development Division webpage: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/about-us/divisions-programs/rural-economic-development-division
