Rural Infrastructure Authority approves more than $5.8 million to support industrial reuse, infrastructure expansion, and downtown revitalization projects statewide
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced that the state’s Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 12 grant awards totaling $5,876,853, supporting projects expected to generate more than $43 million in combined public and private investment and create 206 new jobs across rural communities statewide.
The approved projects include infrastructure improvements, industrial building reuse, and downtown revitalization initiatives designed to strengthen rural competitiveness and prepare communities for long-term economic growth.
“When rural North Carolina wins, all of North Carolina wins,” said Governor Stein. “These grants are strengthening infrastructure, increasing rural economic competitiveness, and creating opportunities for people to find quality jobs close to home.”
The Rural Infrastructure Authority operates through the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, providing targeted funding to help local governments activate sites, modernize facilities, and attract private investment.
Building Reuse Projects Drive Manufacturing and Industry Growth
Seven projects were approved through North Carolina’s Building Reuse Program, which supports renovation and expansion of industrial and commercial facilities in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties and rural census tracts.
Vacant Building Reuse Projects
- Craven County (New Bern): A $360,000 grant will support renovation of a 100,000-square-foot facility for Chatsworth Products, expanding manufacturing of hardware and communications equipment. The project will create 45 jobs and leverage $635,860 in investment.
- City of Fayetteville (Cumberland County): An $80,000 grant will assist reuse of a 21,000-square-foot building for Benjamin Stout Real Estate Services, creating 10 jobs with $757,313 in investment.
- Forsyth County (Winston-Salem): A $175,000 grant will support reuse of a 144,000-square-foot facility for GMAX Industries, a medical products manufacturer creating 36 jobs with $5.8 million invested.
- Halifax County (Weldon): A $174,000 grant will renovate a 125,000-square-foot facility for startup East Coast Solutions, producing blended animal protein feed and pet food products. The project will create 20 jobs.
Existing Industry Expansion Projects
- Buncombe County: A $100,000 grant will support renovation of a 325,000-square-foot facility occupied by Southeastern Container, a plastic bottle manufacturer, creating 12 jobs and generating $8.1 million in investment.
- Tarboro (Edgecombe County): A $500,000 grant will assist upgrades to a 480,000-square-foot facility operated by LS Cable & System USA, supporting 85 new jobs and $10.9 million in investment.
- Surry County (Mount Airy): A $500,000 grant will support expansion at Altec Industries, creating 79 jobs with $9.7 million in investment.
The Building Reuse Program helps rural communities redevelop vacant or underutilized properties, accelerating project timelines and reducing costs for expanding employers.
Infrastructure Investments Prepare Future Industrial Sites
Two projects received funding through the Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account, which supports infrastructure projects in economically distressed counties.
- Nash County: A $236,453 grant will extend sewer infrastructure within an industrial corridor, supporting future development tied to a $6.5 million private investment.
- North Wilkesboro (Wilkes County): A $1.2 million grant will fund road, water, and sewer extensions at Wilkes Industrial Park, supporting growth and advancing the site toward North Carolina Certified Site designation.
The program reinvests funds generated through the state’s Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program into infrastructure improvements that enable job creation in rural regions.
Downtown Revitalization Projects Enhance Quality of Place
RIA also approved three grants through the Rural Downtown Economic Development Program, supporting public infrastructure improvements designed to strengthen community centers and attract business activity.
- Washington (Beaufort County): An $850,000 grant will fund Phase II streetscape improvements, including ADA upgrades, lighting, sidewalks, and landscaping enhancements.
- Longview (Catawba County): An $850,000 grant will support construction and rehabilitation of 1.2 miles of sidewalks to improve downtown connectivity.
- Edenton (Chowan County): An $850,000 grant will modernize downtown lighting infrastructure, improving safety and visibility while supporting tourism and small business growth.
Strengthening Rural Competitiveness
North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley emphasized that infrastructure readiness remains essential to attracting investment.
“Investing in rural communities is about creating opportunity,” Lilley said. “With ready-to-use commercial buildings and competitive industrial sites, every corner of North Carolina can compete for new business and job creation.”
The 17-member Rural Infrastructure Authority reviews funding requests and establishes policy priorities for the state’s rural economic development programs, supporting projects that expand economic opportunity and enhance long-term regional resilience.
