On Friday, June 12, the North Carolina Department of Commerce and NC Governor Josh Stein announced grant awards to 13 local governments to support housing, infrastructure and community improvement projects that benefit low- and moderate-income North Carolinians. The grants, totaling more than $13.7 million, were awarded through the department’s Community Development Block Grant – Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) program. 

This round of funding includes 13 projects receiving a total of $13,743,773, with individual awards ranging from $693,773 to $2.5 million. The projects reflect a variety of local priorities, including housing rehabilitation and reconstruction, infrastructure improvements, public facilities enhancements, and community development initiatives.

Withing the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s coverage area, Bladen County was awarded the highest amount of $2,500,000. 

The federally funded CDBG-NR program offers eligible municipalities and counties the opportunity to tailor community development projects to the specific and most critical needs of their communities. Through investments in housing rehabilitation, housing reconstruction, public facilities, infrastructure and neighborhood improvements, the program helps communities address local priorities, strengthen resilience and improve quality of life for residents with low and moderate incomes.  

“CDBG-NR funding provides local leaders with the resources they need to invest in housing, infrastructure, and public facilities that support long-term prosperity,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley in a press release. “These investments will help communities address local priorities, strengthen neighborhoods, and create new opportunities for economic growth.”

These investments support key priorities outlined in North Carolina’s First in Opportunity Strategic Economic Development Plan, including strengthening communities, expanding housing opportunities, and creating the conditions for long-term economic growth. 

“North Carolinians need safe housing, reliable infrastructure, and places to enjoy,” said Governor Josh Stein in a press release. “These grants will help local governments address these critical needs, strengthen neighborhoods and local economies, and improve quality of life for North Carolinians across our state.”