Source: EIN Presswire
Governor Roy Cooper announced the approval of 10 grants requests to local governments that are aimed at strengthening rural communities. According to the governor’s office, these grants include a commitment to create a total of 316 jobs and will attract approximately $40.8 million in private investment.
“These grants both rejuvenate and strengthen rural North Carolina,” Governor Cooper stated in a press release. “When we support local businesses and expand rural infrastructure, we boost the local, regional, and state economies and help increase our economic competitiveness from the mountains to the sea.”
The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA), which approved the grants, is supported by the rural economic development team at the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
“The Rural Infrastructure Authority helps support investments in the areas of our state that need it most,” stated N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders, in a press release. “By fortifying our rural communities with more resources, we continue to put equity into action as we create a North Carolina that works for everyone.”
Among the projects is a $250,000 grant will support the reuse of a 38,400-square-foot building in Winston-Salem. This building will house the expanded headquarters of ProKidney, LLC, a company focusing on the development of cell therapy for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. This expansion is expected to create 50 jobs and bring in $20,750,000 in private investment to Forsyth County.
A separate $200,000 grant will support the renovation of the Chaddock Furniture building in Burke County. Currently, Chaddock Furniture, LLC, a third-generation custom furniture manufacturer, which has been in operation since 1958, resides in the building. The manufacturer expects to create 25 jobs and invest $952,287 in this project.
For rural health, a grant for $250,000 will support the construction of an 11,572-square-foot building in Johnston County. The building will serve as the new location for Tri-County Community Health Council, Inc., an organization that provides primary medical, dental, behavioral health, and clinical support services in five southeastern North Carolina counties. This project is expected to create 27 jobs, with an investment of $5,454,900 by the company.
For more information, visit the Rural Economic Development Division website.
