The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved four grants totaling $1,872,019 for local governments. These grants are expected to create 170 jobs and attract over $74.5 million in private investment.
“North Carolina’s rural communities are essential to our state’s economy and culture,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These rural infrastructure grants are a strategic investment in facilities, public services, and accessible health care that will lead to growth and opportunity in small towns across our state.”
The RIA operates with support from the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s rural economic development team. The authority reviews funding requests from local communities, drawing on several specialized grant and loan programs managed by the department’s Rural Economic Development Division.
“When we help cultivate the conditions for economic prosperity in rural North Carolina, our whole state benefits,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “We are America’s top state for business in part because of the strong partnerships we have with our rural counties and municipalities, which use RIA grants as tools to support the creation of good jobs.”
Three grants were awarded under the Building Reuse Program:
– In Anson County, a $500,000 grant will go toward repurposing a 28,441-square-foot building in Ansonville for Halal Meat Slaughter House, Inc., a family-owned meat processing company planning to expand its operations at this location. The project is expected to create 61 jobs with an investment of $4.46 million.
– Gaston County received a $500,000 grant for reuse of a 175,239-square-foot building in Bessemer City. Healsee Capsules, Inc., a global manufacturer specializing in cellulose ethers and plant-based capsules, will establish its second U.S. site here. This initiative is projected to create 95 jobs with an investment of $69.5 million.
– Alexander County was awarded $175,000 to support Urgent Care of Mountain View LLC’s move into a former hospital building in Taylorsville. The healthcare provider plans to expand services at this location, creating 14 new jobs through an investment of $551,143.
The Building Reuse Program supports renovation or expansion projects that lead to job creation within designated counties.
Additionally, Burke County received a $697,019 grant from the Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account program for installing over 2,500 feet of natural gas pipeline at Burke Business Park. This fund assists economically distressed counties by supporting infrastructure projects likely to generate new employment opportunities.
The RIA also formulates policies for these grant programs and consists of 17 voting members appointed by state officials including the Governor. At this meeting William “Bill” Webb was elected chairman and Joe Sam Queen vice-chair.
More information can be found on the Rural Economic Development Division webpage.
