Local governments in Eastern Carolina to receive grants for new jobs

RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) – Some Eastern Carolina counties will now be getting grants to help create new jobs.

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the state Rural Infrastructure Authority has approved 12 grant requests to local governments totaling $1,858,000.

Cooper says these requests include commitments to creating 385 jobs and public investments in these projects will make more than $36.7 million.

“These investments will not only strengthen our local economy, but also create new opportunities for North Carolina’s rural communities,” said Cooper. “By supporting job growth and attracting private investment, we are helping to build a more resilient and prosperous future for our rural residents.”

RIA members will review and approve funding requests from local communities. The funding comes from several grant and loan programs offered and managed by the state Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division.

Cooper says grants will support activities such as infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion and demolition, and site improvements.

“As we continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, these grants are a critical investment in the future of our rural communities,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “By creating new economic opportunities, we’re creating a stronger foundation for the future.”

The RIA approved 12 grant requests under the state’s Building Reuse Program in three categories. Several of these are in Eastern Carolina.

In the vacant building category, Lewiston-Woodville will get a $25,000 grant that will support the reuse of a 5,436-square-foot building where Woodville Market & Smokehouse plans to open a market and smokehouse.

Cooper says the project is expected to create five jobs, with a private investment of $25,000 tied to this grant.

Also in the category, Morehead City will get a $140,000 grant to help support the reuse of a 7,500-square-foot building which will become the new headquarters for 21st Century Technology Solutions.

Cooper says the company will create 40 jobs, with a private investment of $325,500 tied to this grant.

In Duplin County, a $200,000 grant will support the reuse of a 700,000-square-foot empty building in Wallace. Cabinet manufacturer, NexGen Cabinets, will make this its East Coast assembly and production facility.

Cooper says this project is expected to create 42 jobs with an investment of $6.7 million, while 26 jobs and a private investment of $5,045,669 are tied to this grant.

In the rural health building category, Beaufort County will get a $200,000 grant will support the reuse of a 4,716-square-foot building in Aurora where Agape Health Services will be.

Cooper says the company is expected to create 20 jobs and invest $1,121,142.

Also in this category, the town of Robersonville will get a $53,000 grant will support the reuse of a 3,200-square-foot building where HealthFirst Wellness, a primary care and urgent care provider, will create a facility.

Cooper says the company plans to create eight jobs and invest $335,067 with this project.

The Building Reuse Program provides grants to local governments to renovate empty buildings, renovate and/or expand buildings occupied by existing state companies, and renovate, expand, or construct healthcare facilities that will lead to new jobs being created.

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