Governor Josh Stein announced on Apr. 16 that North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority has approved seven grant requests totaling $1,657,500 to support local governments. These grants are expected to result in approximately $41 million of additional public and private investment and create 189 new jobs across the state.
The initiative aims to boost economic opportunities in rural areas by supporting infrastructure projects, building renovations, expansions, and site improvements. Governor Stein said, “Investing in rural infrastructure unlocks opportunity. When we strengthen rural North Carolina, we empower local economies, we connect our people to critical services, and we ensure that no matter where someone lives, we offer them a fair shot at success.”
The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA), backed by the Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Reginald Speight, reviews funding requests from communities statewide. The latest round of grants falls under the Building Reuse Program with projects spanning Anson County (Hinson & Hale Medical Technologies), Henderson County (HiVIZ LED Lighting), Rockingham County (TSEA Energy), Cherokee County (Aegis Power Systems), Gaston County (DePalo Foods), Robeson County (C&S Wholesale Grocers), and Stanly County (Michelin North America). These projects include facility renovations or expansions and are tied directly to job creation targets ranging from 10 to 59 new positions per site.
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said these investments are vital for maintaining the state’s economic competitiveness: “North Carolina has the second-largest rural population in America. These grants are critical to strengthening the economic competitiveness of our state from Murphy to Manteo and are direct investments in the long-term vitality of every rural community.”
The RIA not only approves funding but also sets policies for grant programs managed by the Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development team. Its membership includes appointees from key state officials as well as an ex officio seat held by the Secretary of Commerce.
For more information about ongoing efforts or future grant opportunities under these programs, readers can visit the Rural Economic Development Division webpage.
