The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has announced that they have approved nine grant requests for local governments totaling $2,941,000. The grants include commitments creating a total of 137 jobs. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $52 million in additional private and public investment. 

“North Carolina’s rural communities are excellent places to live, work, and do business,” said Governor Josh Stein in a press release. “The latest rural infrastructure grants support these communities even more by helping to create jobs, expand access to health care, and strengthen downtowns.” 

The RIA is supported by the rural economic development team at the North Carolina Department of Commerce. RIA members review and approve funding requests from local communities. 

Two grant requests have been approved for the Town of Pembroke:

• A $150,000 grant will support the construction of a 29,000-square-foot building, where Robeson Health Care Corporation plans to expand their existing operations. The health care provider plans to serve 1,000 additional patients yearly at this new facility, which will include a new eye care center and additional exam rooms to create a functional, patient-friendly environment. With this project, the organization expects to create 12 jobs while investing $11,442,615. 
• A $311,000 grant will help the town transform a vacant property into a vibrant public space at the intersection of W. 3rd and Vance Streets. The project includes site preparation, a brick paver walkway, electrical upgrades and tree grates and is a direct result of the town’s participation in the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Community Capacity program. The town will leverage an investment of $15,550 with this project.

In addition to reviewing and approving funding requests, the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority formulates policies and priorities for grant and loan programs administered by the Commerce Department’s Rural Economic Development team.Visit the Rural Economic Development Division webpage for more information.