On Friday, June 20, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced that roughly $3 million in grants were approved by the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) for rural communities, which the governor says will attract an additional $52 million in public and private investments to support economic development across the state.
“North Carolina’s rural communities are excellent places to live, work, and do business,” said Gov. Stein. “The latest rural infrastructure grants strengthen these communities even more by helping to create jobs, access to health care, and strengthen downtowns.”
The investments will help with repurposing vacant buildings, expanding existing businesses, and rehabilitating properties for public use. The goal for these investments is to help local governments grow and leverage downtown districts as assets for economic growth. By aiding public improvement projects, Gov. Stein’s office hopes to help retain businesses and leverage main street assets for community-wide use in towns across the state.
The grants will support a diverse range of businesses, from health care providers to financial services to outdoor recreation. Nearly $1 million of the $3 million will come to mountain counties.
Local governments are looking to utilize the grants to promote public safety and to create spaces for community events.
For example, Boone will receive an $850,000 grant to convert a street into a pedestrian and bicycle-only corridor. The second phase of the project will include water, sewer, and stormwater improvements. Williamston will receive a $200,000 grant to rehabilitate and repurpose a property that is connected to Town Hall. The 3,304-square-foot building will undergo renovations to create a public space for meetings and become a hub for community events.
“We are excited by the opportunities to partner with our state’s rural communities through these infrastructure grant projects,” said Lee Lilley, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. “These investments will help rural North Carolina grow jobs, expand opportunity, and improve people’s quality of life”.
