N.C. 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 totaling more than $ 2.4 million dollars.
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 new division include assistance for building reuse and restoration as well as infrastructure including water and sewer.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) approved:
• Town of Mocksville (Davie County): $50,000 in additional funds for an 18-month temporary easement required for construction at Gildan Yarns new site. On January 15th, the Authority approved $789,000 for the town to construct water and sewer lines to eventually connect this new manufacturing plant off Interstate Drive near I-40. The new total project cost is $839,000.
The CDBG is a US 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.
The Industrial Development Fund Utility Account grant approved:
• Beaufort County: $491,985 in funding to provide a connector road to Beaufort County Industrial Park. The proposed road would extend the existing road by approximately 1,500 feet and create a direct connection from the park to US 264.
The Utility Account of the Industrial Development Fund provides grants to units of local government of the 80 most distressed counties in the state to assist in job creation. The funds may be used for publicly-owned infrastructure and should be used for projects that are reasonably expected to result in the creation of jobs.
The Building Reuse Program grants/loans approved :
• Beaufort County: $80,000 to support the reuse of a 2,800 square foot building located at 226 Pamlico Street in Belhaven. The building was constructed in 1930 and has been vacant for two years. The Tavern at Jack’s Neck plans to expand its restaurant next door to this site. The total project cost is $160,000. This will be the second grant for this project.
• City of Hickory (Catawba County):$500,000 to support the reuse of a 38,250 square foot building located at 56-3rd Street. The building dating back to 1930 has been vacant for three years. Transportation Insight, LLC will locate in the building to expand operations. The company offers custom logistics solutions to corporate clients.
• Gaston County: $500,000 to support the reuse of a 127,531 square foot building located at 2504 Lowell Road in Ranlo. The former Arrow Fashions building was constructed in 1970 and has been vacant for three months. Pacific Coast Feather which manufactures pillows, comforters, mattress pads and related bedding products will move into the building.
• Lee County: $500,000 to support the reuse of a 254,000 square foot building located at 4901 Womack Road in Sanford. GKN Driveline, a manufacturer of automotive driveline and power train components, will expand operations and use the facility as a service center.
• Rutherford County: $290,000 to support the reuse of a 31,000 square foot building located at 515 Oakland Road in Spindale. Ameridial, a call center providing inbound and outbound services, will locate in the building to expand operations. This will be the third grant for this project.
The Building Reuse Program will provide 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.
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.