The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority approved seven grant requests totaling $41 million in private and public investment on Apr. 16, with commitments to create 215 jobs across the state, including 26 previously announced positions.
These grants are intended to support economic development in rural communities by providing funding for building renovations and expansions. The initiative aims to help local governments renovate vacant buildings, expand facilities occupied by existing companies, and improve healthcare infrastructure. The grants target Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties as well as rural census tracts of Tier 3 counties.
All seven grant requests were awarded under the Building Reuse Program to companies represented by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). The Rural Infrastructure Authority is a board of 17 members who oversee policies and priorities for these programs. Members are appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President Pro Tem, with the Secretary of Commerce serving ex officio.
The EDPNC operates as a private nonprofit corporation focused on business recruitment, industry support, international trade, tourism promotion, and film marketing throughout North Carolina. It works under contract with the North Carolina Department of Commerce while also receiving support from private sector contributions according to its official website. The organization aims to enhance economic well-being and quality of life for all residents according to its official website.
The EDPNC has helped secure multiple recognitions for North Carolina as America’s Top State for Business by CNBC according to its official website. It is governed by an 18-member board representing various business sectors across the state according to its official website.
More information about these programs can be found at www.commerce.nc.gov/rural-economic-development-division or www.edpnc.com.
