Old North News

Governor Josh Stein has announced the approval of 13 grants by the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) to local governments, amounting to $9,627,500. These grants are expected to create a total of 785 jobs, with 414 previously announced, and attract over $165.9 million in public and private investment.

"North Carolina’s success is rooted in our rural communities," said Governor Stein. "When we look for and create opportunities in every corner of North Carolina, we are creating more jobs, more investments, and more economic prosperity."

The RIA operates under the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Rural Economic Development Division. The division is led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Kenny Flowers. It supports various activities such as infrastructure development and building renovation.

"Our economic competitiveness is greatest when all of North Carolina benefits," stated N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. "This funding will help rural communities be more resilient and better prepared as they compete for economic development opportunities."

The approved grants include three under the Building Reuse Program:

- Town of Edenton: A $275,000 grant for reusing a vacant building by Provalus to create 61 jobs.

- Columbus County: A $450,000 grant for Barrier Fencing Supply Company to create 91 jobs.

- City of Whiteville: A $390,000 grant for Provalus to open another office creating 60 new jobs.

A Community Development Block Grant was awarded to:

- Town of Mocksville: A $750,000 grant for SBA Home's manufacturing facility creating 250 jobs.

Five grants were approved under the Industrial Development Fund - Utility Account program:

- Town of Aurora: A $200,000 grant for industrial park infrastructure improvements.

- City of Claremont: A $1 million grant for sewer infrastructure aiding Prysmian Cables expansion.

- Hoke County: A $1.4 million grant extending sewer infrastructure at a regional industrial park.

- Lenoir County: A $1.9 million grant supporting NC Global TransPark sewer improvements.

- City of Lumberton: An $825,000 grant relocating electrical circuits at an industrial park.

Four grants were approved under the Rural Downtown Economic Development program:

- Town of Troy: An $850,000 grant assisting Main Street Revitalization Project.

- City of Goldsboro: A $612,500 grant preserving Union Station.

- Watauga County: A $125,000 library renovation project grant.

- City of Wilson: An $850,000 rehabilitation project creating a visitors center.

The RIA also formulates policies and priorities for these programs with its members appointed by state leaders including the Governor.

For further details on these initiatives visit the Rural Economic Development Division webpage.