Gov. Stein announces $3,225,000 in grants attracting more than 400 jobs to ENC

Posted by author February 21, 2025 Jobs

Gov. Stein announces ,225,000 in grants attracting more than 400 jobs to ENC

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RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) -Four counties across Eastern Carolina can expect more than 400 jobs coming to their economies after grants from the governor.

Governor Josh Stein has announced that funding for thirteen grants has been approved by the Rural Infrastructure Authority totaling $9,627,500. The funding is to attract new jobs to local economies across the state.

According to the release, these grants were designed to attract public and private investments into the county’s economy.

Of those grants, Eastern Carolina will be receiving a total of $3,225,00. The governor’s office says the funds are going to be allocated this way:

Edenton (Chowan County)– A $275,000 grant will support the reuse of a 22,000-square-foot vacant building in Edenton. An IT outsourcing firm, Provalus, will make a Center of Excellence dedicated to training and developing technology talent in downtown communities. Overall, this project is expected to create 61 jobs with an investment of $6 million, while 37 jobs and a private investment of $5,986,355 are tied to this grant.
Aurora (Beaufort County): A $200,000 grant will enable the Town of Aurora to complete infrastructure improvements and pay increased electrical service expenses for the development of the Town’s 30-acre industrial park.
Kinston (Lenoir County): A $1,900,000 grant will support sewer infrastructure improvements at the NC Global TransPark where the U.S. Department of Navy will build a Fleet Readiness Center. The Navy will provide aircraft maintenance and repair for the C-130 military aircraft. The project is expected to create 311 jobs.
Wilson (Wilson County): An $850,000 grant will support the Barnes Street Properties Rehabilitation Project in downtown Wilson. This project will rehabilitate two buildings to create a Downtown and Whirligig Park Visitors Center that includes spaces for makers, offices, and Whirligig maintenance and repairs. Leveraging $42,500 of investments, the project will improve the building’s exteriors, reconstruct the roof, repair the floors, and add ramp access and new electrical and HVAC systems.

“North Carolina’s success is rooted in our rural communities,” said Governor Stein. “When we look for and create opportunities in every corner of North Carolina, we are creating more jobs, more investments, and more economic prosperity.”

The RIA is the rural economic development organization that reviews and approves funding requests.

“Our economic competitiveness is greatest when all of North Carolina benefits,” said state Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “This funding will help rural communities be more resilient and better prepared as they compete for economic development opportunities.”