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The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved 26 grant requests totaling $8,697,833. The requests include commitments to create a total of 1,183 new jobs.
“These grants help create modern infrastructure that enables North Carolina’s less populated communities to attract investment and grow their local economies,” said Governor McCrory. “Business-ready buildings, water and sewer systems, and industrial access are among the prerequisites for success in today’s economy.”
Authority members review and approve funding requests for grant and loan programs. The programs are operated by the Rural Economic Development team at N.C. Commerce, which is led by Secretary John E. Skvarla, III, and Assistant Secretary Dr. Patricia Mitchell. Grants support infrastructure development, building renovation and expansion, and site improvements.
Since its creation by Governor McCrory and the North Carolina General Assembly in 2013, the Authority has approved approximately $128 million in awards.
The RIA approved three requests under the state’s Industrial Development Fund - Utility Account program:
Beaufort County: A $337,000 grant to upgrade water service in support of a 10-job expansion by Hysucat USA in Bath. The company is an international manufacturer of rigid inflatable boats for recreational, military and commercial markets. The enhanced water capacity will address the company’s fire suppression needs.
Craven County: A $195,000 grant to provide industrial access to the Craven County Industrial Park. Enhanced accessibility will open an additional 100 acres up for development at the park, which is already home to several of the county’s top employers. The grant supports a total investment of $260,815 being made at the park.
Town of McAdenville (Gaston County): A $750,000 grant to assist with construction of a wastewater pumping station, force main and gravity sewer main in support of Pharr Yarns, the towns largest employer. Existing sewer service to the company, which employs 900 workers, is no longer adequate. The grant supports a total investment of more than $7.1 million.
The Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account provides grants to units of local government for 80 counties in the state considered Tier 1 or Tier 2. Funds may be used for publicly-owned infrastructure projects that are reasonably expected to result in the creation of new jobs. IDF – Utility Account funding is derived from set-asides of Job Development Investment Grants (JDIG) awarded in Tier 2 and Tier 3 counties.
The RIA approved four requests under the state’s Economic Infrastructure program:
Town of Colerain (Bertie County): A $29,143 grant to support the demolition of a 5,000-sq.-ft. building constructed in 1918. The project opens up a downtown site for new construction and business opportunities. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $38,856.
Henderson County: A $135,000 grant to provide wastewater service in support of the arrival of Norafin Americas in Mills River. The German company develops, produces and sells high-performance, specialty, nonwoven fabrics to a wide array of industries. Its new $16 million facility in North Carolina, which will employ 46, was announced by Governor McCrory on November 7th. [The company’s new jobs are not included in today’s job-creation totals.]
Mitchell County: A $30,000 grant to support the demolition of a 21,500-sq.-ft. industrial building in Spruce Pine. The project opens up a prime industrial site for new construction and business opportunities. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $40,000.
Robeson County: A $500,000 grant to support extension of wastewater service to Pepsi Bottling Ventures new distribution operations in St. Pauls. The nation’s largest privately-held manufacturer, seller and distributor of Pepsi-Cola and other beverages is building a $16.5 million distribution center that will serve 8 million consumers South Carolina to Delaware. The facility will employ 250 North Carolina workers. Governor McCrory announced the company’s project on October 27th. [The company’s new jobs are not included in today’s job-creation totals].
The Economic Infrastructure Program provides grants to local governments, with priority given to the 80 most economically distressed counties, to assist with infrastructure projects that will lead to job-creation. Water and sewer lines, wastewater treatment plants, natural gas lines, public broadband infrastructure, roadways and rail spurs are examples of infrastructure covered under program guidelines.
The RIA approved two grants under the state’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - Economic Development program:
Town of Siler City (Chatham County): A $1.5 million grant to assist in providing expanded wastewater services in support of a 700-job expansion by Mountaire Farms. The Delaware-based poultry processor company currently has five locations in the state. The grant supports a total capital investment of $70 million by the company.
Town of Forest City (Rutherford County): A $1.5 million grant to assist in providing public water and wastewater service in facilitating the arrival of Everest Textiles. The company is a vertically-integrated developer and supplier of innovative products to leading brands in sports, casual and other apparel. Everest’s choice of North Carolina for its 610-job plant was announced by Governor McCrory on December 6th. [The company’s new jobs are not included in today’s job-creation totals.] The grant supports a total capital investment of $8 million by the company.
The Community Development Block Grant program is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program administered in part by N.C. Commerce. CDBG’s economic development funds provide grants to local governments for creating and retaining jobs. Project funding is based on the number of jobs to be created and the level of economic distress of applicant communities.
The RIA approved 17 grants under the state’s Building Reuse program:
Rural Health Care Category
Town of Taylorsville (Alexander County): An $85,000 grant to support the reuse of a building that will accommodate a 12-job expansion by Addiction Recovery Medical Services. The company provides counseling and therapy, medical services and outpatient programs. The building was constructed in 1945 and has been vacant six months. The grant is part of an overall capital investment of $362,000.
Existing Business Building Category
City of Claremont (Catawba County): A $500,000 grant to accommodate a 95-job expansion at Prysmian Group. The company is a worldwide manufacturer of cable applications for the energy and telecommunications industries. The renovation project includes repairs and upgrades to three idle building at the company’s site. The grant is part of a total capital investment of more than $20 million.
City of Thomasville (Davidson County): A $500,000 grant to accommodate a 100-job expansion at Mowhawk Industries. The company is a worldwide manufacturer of flooring products. The project adds 100,000 square feet to the company’s building, which was constructed in 2004. The grant is part of a total capital investment of more than $36.3 million.
Franklin County: A $500,000 grant that will accommodate a major expansion at K-Flex USA. The Italy-based company manufactures thermal and acoustic insulation, gaskets, seals and mats designed for buyers in numerous industries. The project adds 360,000 square feet to the company’s facility, which was constructed in 1994. Governor McCrory announced the company’s 100-job expansion on November 2nd. [The company’s new positions are not included in today’s job-creation total.] The grant is part of a total capital investment of $16,750,000 being made on the company’s expanded space.
Granville County: A $499,190 grant to support renovation of a building in Creedmoor that will accommodate a 50-job expansion by Stay Online. The company manufactures power cords, wiring harnesses and other electrical products for worldwide sale. Renovations to the building, which was constructed in 1986, include HVAC, electrical and roofing. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $1,020,000.
Greene County: A $55,000 grant to support the renovation of a building in Snow Hill that will accommodate a 17-job expansion by Home Elevator & Lift Products LLC. The company manufactures, sells, installs and services elevators, cargo lifts and stair lifts for residential customers. Renovations include roofing and office configuration. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $112,000.
Lincoln County: A $250,000 grant to support renovation of a building in Lincolnton to accommodate a 100-job expansion at Robert Bosch Tool. The company manufactures power tools, measurement tools and related accessories. The project converts existing warehouse space into a new production line. The building was constructed in 1976. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $13.3 million.
Montgomery County: A $120,000 grant for renovation of a building in Troy to accommodate a 12-job expansion by Alandale Knitting. The company manufacturer of circular knit fabrics. Renovations to the building, which was constructed in 1968, include repairs to its roofing. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $251,189.
Randolph County: A $170,000 grant for renovation of a building in Randleman to support a 21-job expansion at Petty’s Garage. The company designs, produces and sells automotive parts. Renovations include roofing, HVAC, electrical and flooring. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $737,900.
Vacant Building Category
Town of West Jefferson (Ashe County): A $50,000 grant to support reuse of a building that will accommodate by Doc’s on Main, a restaurant, retail store and museum that is creating five jobs. The building was constructed in 1927 and has been vacant three months. Renovations include HVAC and flooring. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $646,000.
Cleveland County: A $500,000 grant to support reuse of a building in Shelby that will accommodate an expansion by Mafic USA. The Canada-based company manufactures advanced materials for the composite industry. The building was constructed in 1974 and has been vacant one year. Governor McCrory announced the company’s 113-job expansion on October 31st. [The company’s new positions are not included in today’s job-creation total.] Renovations include roofing, electrical, plumbing and flooring. The grant is part of a total capital investment of nearly $13 million.
Duplin County: A $30,000 grant to support reuse of a building in Warsaw that will accommodate the arrival of Vantage South Atlantic. The company, which provides precision agricultural technology solutions, will create three jobs. The building was constructed in 1974 and has been vacant five years. Renovations include electrical, flooring, roofing and HVAC. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $60,000.
City of Dunn (Harnett County): A $25,000 grant to support reuse of a building that will accommodate the arrival of Organic Butcher Shop. The company, a retailer of fresh organic beef, pork and chicken, will create five jobs. The building was constructed in 1926 and has been vacant five months. Renovations include HVAC, roofing, plumbing, electrical and flooring. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $173,000.
Lee County: A $75,000 grant to support reuse of a building in Sanford that will accommodate the arrival of Seal It Services. The company, a producer and distributor of self-fusing silicon repair tape, is relocating from Florida and will create 15 jobs. The building was constructed 1973 and has been vacant five months. Renovations include office space and lighting. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $865,000.
Lenoir County: A $100,000 grant to support the reuse of a building in Kinston that will accommodate the arrival of Midtown Motor Lodge, a hospitality company that is creating 10 jobs. The building was constructed in 1969 and has been vacant 18 months. Renovations will include flooring, electrical and HVAC. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $4,192,000.
Lenoir County: A $62,500 grant to support the reuse of a building in Kinston that will accommodate a five-job expansion by Mother Earth Brewing, a popular craft brewery and taproom. The building was constructed 1949 and has been vacant two years. Renovations include HVAC, electrical, plumbing and paint. The grant is part of a total capital investment of $393,141.
Lenoir County: A $200,000 grant to support the result of a building in Kinston that will house The Social Beverage Company, a craft distiller of premium spirits for retail sale. The building was constructed in 1903 and has been vacant 20 years. The company will create 23 jobs. Renovations include HVAC, roofing, flooring, plumbing and paint. The grant is part of a total capital investment of nearly $3.4 million.
The Building Reuse Program provides grants to local governments to renovate vacant buildings, renovate and/or expand buildings occupied by existing North Carolina companies, and renovate, expand or construct health care facilities that will lead to the creation of new jobs in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties and in rural Census tracts of Tier 3 counties.
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 NC Commerce’s Rural Economic Development team. Its 15 voting members are appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro Tem. The North Carolina Secretary of Commerce serves as a non-voting member of the Authority.
“Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) grants help provide the assets and amenities smaller communities need when attracting businesses and growing jobs,” said Commerce Secretary Skvarla. “Working in tandem with our Commerce team, RIA has been an invaluable resource for customizing job-growth solutions across our economically diverse state.”
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