North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker and Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Dr. Pat Mitchell announced today that the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved seven grants or loans totaling more than $2.5 million with the commitment of nearly 650 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 restoration as well as infrastructure including water and sewer.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)/loans approved:
· Sampson County: $566,925 to assist in the construction of an elevated water storage tank and 12-inch water line to a wood pellet production facility to be constructed by Enviva Pellets Sampson, LLC. Enviva will invest $105 million in constructing and equipping the new facility. The company produces wood pellets for export to utility customers in Europe. The pellets are shipped to Europe via the port at Wilmington. Enviva has committed to create 80 full-time jobs.
· Town of Spruce Pine (Mitchell County): $238,575 to provide public sewer and water service for the retention of 232 jobs by PRC Industries. PRC Industries will demolish a pre-treatment water system allowing the company to connect to the town’s system.
The CDBG is a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program that provides an annual allocation of funds to the state for rural economic development and residential infrastructure projects. DENR administers the rural residential infrastructure program and the N.C. Department of Commerce administers the economic development program. CDBG economic development provides grants to local governments for creating and retaining jobs. Funding for projects is based on the number of jobs to be created and the level of distress in the community applying for the funds.
Building Reuse Program grants/loans approved :
· Davie County: $500,000 to support the reuse of a 108,480 sq. ft. building located at 205 Enterprise Way in Mocksville. The building was constructed in 2009 and has been vacant for five years. Dunlop Aircraft Tyres, Inc., a manufacturer and retreader of aircraft tires, will move into the building and expand operations. The company has committed to creating 40 new, full-time jobs.
· The Town of Elkin (Surry County): $300,000 to support the reuse of a 9,000 sq. ft. building located at 119 West Main Street. The building was constructed in 1915 and has been vacant for two years. Prism Medical Products, LLC, a distributer of durable medical equipment, will move into the building and expand operations. The company has committed to creating 30 new, full-time jobs.
The Building Reuse Program provides grants/loans to local governments to support the reuse of vacant buildings and/or expand rural healthcare facilities that will lead to the creation of new, full-time jobs.
Economic Infrastructure Program grants approved:
· The Town of Mocksville (Davie County): $332,500 to allow the town to support Gildan construction of a new manufacturing plant off Interstate Drive near I-40 in Mocksville. The proposed improvements for this project are for industrial wastewater improvements. Gildan has committed to create 205 new, full-time jobs.
· McDowell County: $100,000 to allow the county to assist two companies that are being served by private wells. Suttles Trucking and Grading builds roads, provides environmental services, septic installation, and stream restoration services. Adkins Transportation provides transportation for the food industry. Both companies are in need of a reliable source of water in order to grow and maintain current operations. Each company indicated that it can create five new, full-time jobs for a total of 10 new, full-time jobs.
· The Town of Rutherfordton (Rutherford County): $500,000 to assist the town and allow Tryon Equestrian Properties to build an equestrian venue that will support both licensed and non-licensed equestrian events and other entertainment events that will support year round economic activity. Tryon Equestrian Properties will create 50 new, full-time positions.
The Economic Infrastructure Program provides grants for a variety of public infrastructure, such as water and sewer, broadband infrastructure, natural gas, access road, and rail spur improvements.
The RIA meets bimonthly to review and approve grants specifically targeted to assist with economic development and job creation in the rural areas of North Carolina.