The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved 13 grants totaling $9,627,500 to local governments, supporting the creation of 785 jobs and attracting over $165.9 million in public and private investment. According to a press release from the Economic Development Partnership North Carolina, 414 of the aforementioned jobs were previously announced, highlighting the state’s commitment to economic growth in rural areas.
The RIA administers grants through programs like the Building Reuse Program, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. These programs focus on renovating vacant buildings, expanding facilities, developing public infrastructure, and supporting industrial growth to stimulate job creation in economically distressed communities.
The Building Reuse Program awarded grants to repurpose vacant buildings for new business use. In Edenton, a $275,000 grant will convert a 22,000-square-foot building for Provalus’ Center of Excellence, creating 61 jobs. In Columbus County, $450,000 will help reuse a 220,000-square-foot building for Barrier Fencing Supply Company, generating 91 jobs. Whiteville received $390,000 to open a new IT outsourcing office for Provalus, creating 60 jobs.
Under Public Infrastructure, the Town of Troy secured $850,000 for its Main Street Revitalization, including sidewalk and lighting upgrades. In Public Buildings, Goldsboro was awarded $612,500 to restore a historic building, while the Town of Wilson received $850,000 to develop a Downtown Visitors Center.
The Community Development Block Grant provided $750,000 to Mocksville to upfit a 500,000-square-foot shell building for SBA Home, creating 250 jobs.
The Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account supports infrastructure improvements. Aurora received $200,000 for a 30-acre industrial park, while Claremont was awarded $1,000,000 to expand sewer infrastructure. Hoke County secured $1,400,000 for industrial park development, and Lumberton received $825,000 to support a new cold storage facility.
These grants highlight North Carolina’s strategic investment in job creation, economic growth, and community revitalization.
