Government

Local rural communities awarded American Rescue Plan Transformations grants

By Staff Report, posted 1 year ago

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.

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Endless opportunities: GFBJ examines mentorship programs offered by institutions of higher learning throughout our seven county coverage area

For many young professionals, their future begins with a foot in the door. Mentorships, apprenticeships and working one on one to learn an industry can be enough to spark an entire career. Institutions of higher learning throughout the Greater Fayett


Engineering a workforce: FTCC provides a wide variety of career-focused programs for high-demand skills in engineering & applied technology fields

FTCC’s Engineering and Applied Technology academic programs range from expected offerings like a vast air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technology program, to a recently devised curriculum in the Mechatronics Engineering program. Photo prov


Feeding passion: The story of downtown restaurant Circa 1800 and the devoted individuals leading it along the way

Brandy Puczylowski became the owner of Circa 1800 in January of 2013. She has over 30 years of experience working in the restaurant industry. Photo provided by Circa 1800Popular downtown Fayetteville eatery Circa 1800 has been serving the commun