North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 12 grant requests for local governments totaling $5,876,853. The grants include commitments to creating a total of 277 jobs, 71 of which were previously announced. As a result of these grants, the additional investment in these projects, from private and public sources, is expected to reach more than $43 million.
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. Funding comes from a variety of specialized grant and loan programs offered and managed by the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Rural Economic Division, which is led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Reginald Speight.
“Investing in our rural communities is more than infrastructure; it's providing opportunity,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley in a press release. “Companies are looking for great places to work, live and play, and with commercial buildings and industrial sites that are ready to be activated, every corner of the state becomes the best place to do business.”
Within the greater Fayetteville area, an $80,000 grant will support the reuse of a 21,000-square-foot building in Fayetteville. Benjamin Stout Real Estate Service is expected to create 10 jobs, with an investment of $757,313.
Once Upon a Bite launched in early 2026 and has continued to grow through local markets, festivals, private events and community partnerships throughout the Fayetteville area.
Photo provided by Skin Specialists of FayettevilleA Veteran-owned Fayetteville medical spa that launched during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a multi-disciplinary aesthetics and wellness practice — winning the 2024 Readers’ Choice Award for Be
Josh Buracchio and his wife Gina had a vision two years ago: to bring the best of their beloved Pittsburgh’s culinary scene to Fayetteville.
