On June 16, Governor Roy Cooper announced that 30 local governments in rural areas will be awarded grants from the Rural Transformation Grant Fund. 

This fund is a new system of support for economic development projects in North Carolina that will be funded by the federal American Recuse Plan. A total of $1.2 million will be presented in the first round of grants. 

This grant will help the gifted local governments overcome challenges that limit its economic competitiveness. 

“North Carolina’s rural communities are our heart and soul, and we are committed to helping them grow and become more competitive,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Today’s awards will provide both the funds and the expertise to help transform and expand North Carolina’s rural economies, create good jobs, and strong communities.”

The Rural Transformation Grant Fund will be awarded in three categories – downtown revitalization, resilient neighborhoods, and community enhancements for economic growth. 

“Economic development success requires extensive preparation and planning,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “I’m excited to see how this first round of grants will help many rural communities in North Carolina reach the next level of prosperity.”

Local governments in the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s coverage area that will be receiving grants include: 

• City of Lumberton- $900,000 in Downtown Revitalization.
• Town of Pembroke- $850,000 in Resilient Neighborhoods.
• Town of Elizabethtown- $332,500 in Community Enhancements.

The application process for the second round of funding will open in early September. For more information, visit here.