The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority approved 16 grant requests to local governments around North Carolina, totaling $3,938,829.

The requests entail commitments to create 472 jobs. The public investment in the projects will attract more than $67 million.

“With the help of these grants, we are able to attract new jobs to rural communities across the state,” Governor Cooper said. “These investments generate more economic opportunity, renovated buildings, enhanced access to healthcare and fortified water and sewer service, all of which improve the lives and livelihoods of rural residents.”

The grants approved will support a variety of activities such as infrastructure development, building renovations, expansions and demolitions, and site improvements.

Under the Building Reuse program, 13 grants were requested, one being in Robeson County in the vacant building category. 

Robeson County will receive a $500,000 grant that will support the reuse of a 14,00-square-foot facility in Fairmont. The building will be occupied by Atlantic Building Components, a manufacturer of roof and floor trusses.

The project is expected to create 105 jobs, with an investment of more than $5.2 million.

Other areas of focus for the grants include existing business buildings and rural health in different regions across the state of North Carolina. 

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