Source: ABC 11
Last week, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced 20 grants aimed at improving infrastructure and attracting over 800 new jobs to rural communities across the state.
The state’s Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved the 20 grants to local governments, which totals over $8 million. The funding will help with rural economic development, such as the renovation of vacant buildings, downtown development, and the expansion or construction of healthcare facilities, along with other industrial projects
“Continued investments in building capacity and utility infrastructure are critical for attracting more economic opportunities to rural North Carolina,” stated Governor Roy Cooper, in a press release. “With these grants, all North Carolinians can access a better quality of life and increased economic prosperity.”
The public investment in these projects will attract more than $474 million in public and private investment.
“This work improves our economic conditions and competitiveness as a state and creates additional jobs and investments for a more inclusive future,” stated N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders, in a press release.
Last year, the RIA approved seven grants aimed at creating 321 jobs and investing more than $2.6 million in rural communities in Halifax, Stanly, Chatham, Pitt, Wayne, and Nash counties.
“When we invest in our rural communities, we uplift the state of North Carolina as a whole,” stated Governor Roy Cooper, in a press release last year. “These grants not only improve our state’s infrastructure, but offer rural residents a chance at greater economic opportunity, stability, and freedom through quality jobs.”
