Rural Infrastructure Authority Approves Grants to Rural Communities to Create 219 Jobs

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved nine grant requests to local governments within the state, totaling over $506 million in private and public investment. The grants include commitments to creating a total of 219 jobs, 141 of which were previously announced.

The Rural Infrastructure Authority is a 17-member board that awards Rural, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and Utility grant funds, which include the Building Reuse Program and the Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account program. The Building Reuse Program provides grants to local governments to renovate vacant buildings, renovate and/or expand buildings occupied by existing North Carolina companies, and renovate, expand or construct healthcare facilities that will lead to the creation of new jobs in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties and rural census tracts of Tier 3 counties.

The RIA approved six grant requests from projects that were represented by the EDPNC, including:

• Beaufort County: A $50,000 grant will support renovation of a 175,000-square-foot building located at 230 Clarks Neck Road in Washington. The building was constructed in 1967. Seolta Holdings, LLC dba MJM Yachts designs and builds, 38-47′ long, high-performance power yachts. The company will create 13 jobs and invest over $140,000 in the project.
• Cleveland County: A $129,000 grant will support the reuse of a 26,447-square-foot building located at 1157 E Marion Street in Shelby. The building was constructed in 1976 and has been vacant for over a year. Safety Test & Equipment Company, Inc. makes safety equipment used by line workers, electricians, and related equipment to stock repair trucks. The company will create 17 jobs and invest over $137,000 in the project.
• Cumberland County: A $152,000 grant will support the reuse of a 17,170-square-foot building located at 595 King St. in Fayetteville. The building was constructed in 1997. Sigma Crossings & Railroad Products, Inc., is a manufacturer of railroad products, including precast concrete crossings for mainline short line railroads transit systems and industrial customers. The company will create 20 jobs and invest over $3.5 million in the project.
• Pitt County: An $80,000 grant will support the expansion of a building located at 310 Staton Road in Greenville. The building was constructed in 1966. Cotton Belt, Inc. dba Edgecombe Furniture LLC is a family-owned furniture manufacturer. The company plans to add 56,260 square feet to its existing facility. The company will create 10 jobs and invest over $3.8 million in the project.
• Vance County: A $144,000 grant will support the expansion of a building located at 1133 Poplar Creek Road in Henderson. The building was constructed in 1988. Select Products Holdings, LLC is privately held paper converter that produces products such as paper towels, bathroom tissue, and facial tissue. Customers include LIDL, CVS Pharmacy, and Dollar Tree. The company plans to add 100,000 SF to their existing facility. The company will create 18 jobs and invest over $23.8 million in the project.
• Wilson County: A $500,000 grant will support the renovation of a 310,000-square-foot building located at 4700 International Blvd West. The building was constructed in 1994. Reckitt Benckiser is a producer of health, hygiene and nutrition products. Overall, the project is expected to create 289 jobs, while 112 jobs and an investment of over $432 million are tied to this grant.

In addition to reviewing and approving funding requests, the NC Rural Infrastructure Authority formulates policies and priorities for grant and loan programs administered by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development team. The Governor, Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro Tem appoint its 17 voting members. The North Carolina Secretary of Commerce serves as a member of the Authority, ex officio.

For additional information about NC Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, visit the website.

About the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is the economic development organization for the state of North Carolina. A public-private partnership, the nonprofit organization focuses on attracting new businesses, supporting existing companies, helping North Carolina companies reach new markets through international trade, counseling small businesses and startups, promoting tourism, and marketing the state as a premier destination for film and television production. The EDPNC operates under contract with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and receives funding from the North Carolina General Assembly and private-sector companies. Its mission is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians. To learn more, visit www.edpnc.com.