North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced that the state’s Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved nearly $5.9 million in grants for local governments, supporting projects expected to generate over $43 million in combined public and private investment. These initiatives are projected to create 277 jobs across rural areas of North Carolina, with 71 of those positions previously announced.
“When rural North Carolina wins, all of North Carolina wins,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These grants are strengthening infrastructure, increasing rural economic competitiveness, and giving more people the opportunity to have a great job close to home.”
The RIA operates under the guidance of the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division. The authority reviews grant requests from communities and allocates funds from various specialized programs aimed at supporting activities such as infrastructure upgrades, building renovations or expansions, demolitions, and site improvements.
“Investing in our rural communities is more than infrastructure; it’s providing opportunity,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Companies are looking for great places to work, live and play, and with commercial buildings and industrial sites that are ready to be activated, every corner of the state becomes the best place to do business.”
Seven projects received funding through the Building Reuse Program. Among them:
– Craven County will use a $360,000 grant for Chatsworth Products’ expansion in New Bern, creating 45 jobs.
– Fayetteville was awarded $80,000 for Benjamin Stout Real Estate Services’ reuse project expected to add 10 jobs.
– Forsyth County secured $175,000 for GMAX Industries’ Winston-Salem facility renovation linked to 36 new jobs.
– Halifax County will receive $174,000 for East Coast Solutions’ animal protein blending facility creating 20 jobs.
– Buncombe County gets $100,000 for Southeastern Container’s manufacturing plant upgrade adding 12 positions.
– Tarboro (Edgecombe County) was granted $500,000 for LS Cable and System USA’s renovation project bringing 85 new jobs.
– Surry County receives $500,000 toward Altec Industries’ expansion in Mount Airy with plans for 79 additional jobs.
Two projects were approved under the Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account program: Nash County will extend sewer infrastructure using a $236,453 grant alongside private investment; North Wilkesboro will expand sewer lines into its industrial park with a $1.2 million grant.
Three grants were allocated through the Rural Downtown Economic Development program’s Public Infrastructure category: Washington (Beaufort County), Longview (Catawba County), and Edenton (Chowan County) each received $850,000 for streetscape enhancements or lighting improvements intended to support downtown revitalization efforts.
The RIA consists of members appointed by state officials including the Governor and legislative leaders. The Secretary of Commerce serves as an ex officio member.
More information about these programs can be found on the Rural Economic Development Division webpage.
