Governor Stein Announces $504 Million of Investment for Rural North Carolina
RALEIGH — Governor Josh Stein announced on October 15 that North Carolina's Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved nine grant requests for local governments totaling $2,236,000. The grants include commitments to create a total of 219 jobs, 141 of which were previously announced, and the additional private investment in the projects is expected to exceed $504 million.
The RIA is supported by the rural economic development team at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, whose members review and approve funding requests from local communities. Funding comes from specialized grant and loan programs managed by the department's Rural Economic Development Division, led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Reginald Speight. Six of the approved requests fall under the state's Building Reuse Program, and the grants support activities including infrastructure development, building renovation and expansion, demolition and site improvements.
"These infrastructure grants strengthen the foundation for growth in rural North Carolina," Stein said. "This funding helps towns and counties compete for new economic development opportunities and create lasting prosperity for North Carolinians across our state." Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said strengthening public infrastructure that supports local economies enhances the state's competitiveness, attracts new businesses and creates jobs.
Sources: North Carolina Department of Commerce; Office of the Governor
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 北卡罗来纳州议会大厦，Raleigh。North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
