North Carolina Commerce Secretary John Skvarla and Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Dr. Pat Mitchell announced today that the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved a building reuse grant of $500,000 for the city of Thomasville with the commitment of 40 new jobs.
The RIA was established as part of the Rural Economic Development Division at the N.C. Department of Commerce to assist with the review and approval of grants for rural areas in the state. The grants-making programs of the division include assistance for building reuse and well as infrastructure including water and sewer.
The funds will be used to support the reuse of a total of 275,000 square feet in multiple buildings that were constructed during the period of 1973-1984 and have been vacant for three years. Ennis-Flint will locate in the buildings to expand its manufacturing operation. The company produces innovative products that include traffic safety markings for road and highway striping, heavy-duty intersections, and custom horizontal surface signage. Ennis-Flint has committed to create 40 new, full-time jobs.
The Building Reuse Program provides grants/loans to local governments to support the reuse of vacant and occupied buildings and/or expand rural healthcare facilities that will lead to the creation of new, full-time jobs.