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:
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.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
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