The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 22 grant requests to local governments totaling $8,401,717. Governor Roy Cooper announced the grants last week. One of the grants, which is in excess of $250,000, will go to a city in Catawba County.
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. Grants support a variety of activities, including infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion and demolition, and site improvements.
Ten grants were approved under the state’s new Rural Downtown Development Program. One of those grants is going to the City of Conover. A $254,997 grant will help the city expand pedestrian access downtown. Streetscape improvements will include sidewalk creation, walkway improvements, and the addition of several ADA ramps. The project is expected to leverage an investment of $12,750.
The Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants program provides grants to local governments to support downtown revitalization and economic development initiatives that are intended to help local governments grow and leverage downtown districts as assets for economic growth, economic development, and prosperity by providing public improvements to help retain businesses and leverage main street assets for community-wide use.
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 N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development team. Its 17 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 member of the authority, ex officio.
Visit the Rural Economic Development Division webpage for more information.
More on Catawba County City To Receive Grant Of More Than $250,000 From State available on WHKY.
