Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina State | Oficial website
Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina State | Oficial website
Governor Josh Stein announced the approval of 13 grants by the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) to support local governments with a total funding of $9,627,500. These grants are expected to create 785 jobs, with 414 previously announced, and attract over $165.9 million in investments.
“North Carolina’s success is rooted in our rural communities,” said Governor Stein. “When we look for and create opportunities in every corner of North Carolina, we are creating more jobs, more investments, and more economic prosperity.”
The RIA operates under the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Rural Economic Development Division led by Assistant Secretary Kenny Flowers. The division provides various grant and loan programs aimed at supporting infrastructure development and other economic activities.
“Our economic competitiveness is greatest when all of North Carolina benefits,” stated N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “This funding will help rural communities be more resilient and better prepared as they compete for economic development opportunities.”
Under the Building Reuse Program, three grants were approved:
- A $275,000 grant for Edenton (Chowan County) to reuse a vacant building for Provalus' Center of Excellence, creating 61 jobs.
- A $450,000 grant for Columbus County to repurpose a building for Barrier Fencing Supply Company, creating 91 jobs.
- A $390,000 grant for Whiteville (Columbus County) to establish another Provalus office, creating 60 new jobs.
The Community Development Block Grant – Economic Development program approved a $750,000 grant for Mocksville (Davie County), facilitating SBA Home's first North American manufacturing facility with an investment of $50.8 million and creation of 250 jobs.
Five grants were sanctioned under the Industrial Development Fund - Utility Account program:
- Aurora (Beaufort County) received $200,000 for industrial park infrastructure improvements.
- Claremont (Catawba County) was awarded $1 million to enhance sewer infrastructure aiding Prysmian Cables' expansion.
- Hoke County secured $1.4 million to extend sewer services at its regional industrial park developed by Pennsylvania Transformer Technology LLC.
- Lenoir County obtained $1.9 million for sewer upgrades at NC Global TransPark supporting a Fleet Readiness Center by the U.S. Navy.
- Lumberton (Robeson County) received an $825,000 grant to relocate electrical circuits in Southeast Crossroad Industrial Park.
Additionally, four grants were approved under the Rural Downtown Economic Development program:
- Troy (Montgomery County) got an $850,000 grant for Main Street Revitalization.
- Goldsboro (Wayne County) was allocated $612,500 towards preserving Union Station.
- Watauga County received a $125,000 grant for library renovations enhancing resources and functionality.
- Wilson (Wilson County) secured an $850,000 grant for Barnes Street Properties Rehabilitation Project.
The RIA not only approves funding requests but also sets policies and priorities alongside its appointed members from different governmental branches.
For further details on these initiatives or other programs offered by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development team visit their webpage.
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