North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved eight grant requests totaling $1.65 million to support local governments across North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement. These grants are expected to generate 297 jobs, with 56 positions from previously announced projects.
The RIA, supported by the rural economic development team at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, reviews and approves funding requests from local communities. These grants are part of various specialized programs managed by the N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Kenny Flowers. The funding supports infrastructure development, building renovations, expansions, and site improvements.
The RIA’s recent grants, allocated under the state’s Building Reuse Program, are categorized as follows:
Vacant Building Category
- City of Lenoir (Caldwell County): A $140,000 grant will support the reuse of a 13,000-sq. ft. building for Nutrameltz, a health and wellness company. This project is expected to create 18 jobs and attract $2.24 million in private investment.
- City of High Point (Guilford County): A $200,000 grant will help repurpose a 108,000-sq. ft. building for C&C Industries, which specializes in private labeling and logistics. The project will generate 24 jobs and involve a private investment of $5.88 million.
Existing Business Building Category
- City of Mebane (Alamance County): A $145,000 grant will aid in renovating a 167,000-sq. ft. building for Sandvik Coromant, a global manufacturer. The project will create 18 jobs with a private investment of $1.30 million.
- Burke County: A $175,000 grant will support the renovation of a 92,500-sq. ft. building for Miller Knoll, which manufactures furniture. This expansion will create 47 jobs and involve a $354,000 private investment.
- Town of Aberdeen (Moore County): A $160,000 grant will support the renovation of a 35,000-sq. ft. building for Reliance Packaging, LLC. This project is expected to create 32 jobs and attract $7.46 million in private investment.
- Robeson County: A $500,000 grant will fund a 10,000-sq. ft. expansion of Campbell Soup Company’s facility in Maxton, creating 124 jobs with a private investment of $181.75 million.
- Rural Health Building Category
- Brunswick County: A $250,000 grant will support the reuse of a 73,000-sq. ft. building for Medaci Wellness Institute Transformation, a care facility. The project will create 25 jobs and involve a $35 million investment.
- Robeson County: An $80,000 grant will aid in repurposing a 3,605-sq. ft. building for Hope Health Family Practice, LLC. This project is expected to create nine jobs with a $460,000 investment.
The Building Reuse Program provides grants to renovate vacant buildings, expand existing facilities, and develop healthcare facilities in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties, as well as rural areas in Tier 3 counties.