Governor Josh Stein has announced that the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved nine grant requests totaling $2,941,000 for local governments. These grants are expected to create 137 jobs and attract over $52 million in additional private and public investment.
“North Carolina’s rural communities are excellent places to live, work, and do business,” said Governor Stein. “The latest rural infrastructure grants support these communities even more by helping to create jobs, expand access to health care, and strengthen downtowns.”
The RIA operates under the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division. Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Reginald Speight leads this division. The grants will support various activities such as infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion and demolition, and site improvements.
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley expressed enthusiasm about partnering with rural communities through these projects. “These investments will help rural North Carolina grow jobs, expand opportunity, and improve people’s quality of life,” he stated.
The RIA approved five grant requests under the Building Reuse Program:
– Rockingham County received a $500,000 grant for a building reuse project in Reidsville by Joyalways Corporation.
– Transylvania County was awarded $75,000 for Nature Trails NC’s facility in Brevard.
– Hertford County secured a $280,000 grant for Structural Coating Hertford’s expansion in Cofield.
– City of Rocky Mount received a $375,000 grant for reusing a former hospital building.
– Town of Pembroke obtained a $150,000 grant for Robeson Health Care Corporation’s new facility construction.
Four grants were also approved under the Rural Downtown Economic Development program:
– Town of Williamston received $200,000 for its Old Police Department Reuse Project.
– Town of Stoneville was granted $200,000 for the Fidelity Building Revitalization/Reuse Project.
– Town of Pembroke got a $311,000 grant to transform vacant property into public space.
– Town of Boone received an $850,000 grant to convert part of Howard Street into a pedestrian corridor.
The N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority formulates policies and priorities for these programs. Its 17 voting members are appointed by state leaders including the Governor. More information can be found on the Rural Economic Development Division webpage.
