North Raleigh Today

Governor Josh Stein announced that the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved four grant requests amounting to $1,890,000 for local governments in North Carolina. The public funding aims to attract more than $15.5 million in private investment and create 67 jobs, with 53 previously announced.

“When we strengthen rural communities, we strengthen North Carolina,” stated Governor Stein. “These infrastructure grants help cement our reputation as a top state for business as we bring high-quality jobs to every corner of our state.”

The RIA operates under the North Carolina Department of Commerce, led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Kenny Flowers. The authority reviews and approves funding from various specialized programs managed by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division. These grants support efforts such as infrastructure development, building renovation and expansion, demolition, and site improvements.

N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley remarked, “From the mountains to the coast and parts in between, North Carolina’s rural areas provide excellent opportunities for businesses to succeed.”

The RIA approved three grants under the Building Reuse Program in the vacant building category:

- Madison County will receive a $100,000 grant to support the reuse of a 95,000-square-foot building in Hot Springs. Advanced BioGas Systems will occupy the facility, planning to create 14 jobs and invest $2,889,384.

- Randolph County is set to receive a $230,000 grant for the reuse of a 14,700-square-foot building in Asheboro. Gillespie Precast, LLC will occupy the building, with the project linked to 29 jobs and a $5,144,500 investment. The company anticipates creating 39 jobs and investing $10,047,500 overall.

- Vance County will get a $200,000 grant for the reuse of an 83,000-square-foot building in Henderson. Syntec Precision Technology Corporation plans to establish its first U.S. location there, creating 34 new jobs with an $8 million private investment, of which 24 jobs and $7,556,193 are linked to the grant.

The Building Reuse Program provides grants to renovate vacant buildings and expand existing facilities to create new jobs in specified counties.

Furthermore, the RIA approved a grant under the Industrial Development Fund - Utility Account program:

- Swansboro in Onslow County will receive a $1,360,000 grant for constructing roadways and water and sewer infrastructure in a 47-acre industrial park.

The Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account assists local governments in economically distressed counties for infrastructure projects expected to yield new jobs.

The N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority, comprising 17 voting members appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President Pro Tem, also formulates policies and priorities for the grant and loan programs. The N.C. Secretary of Commerce serves as a member ex officio.

Visit the Rural Economic Development Division webpage for further details.