Cooper announces new round of rural infrastructure grants

Governor Roy Cooper has unveiled a new round of infrastructure grants. 

Cooper announced last week that the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority approved 14 grant requests totaling over $6.5 million.

According to a news release, the funding will boost a variety of development, renovation, expansion, demolition, and site improvement projects.

One grant will go toward refashioning an existing structure in Burlington. The building will be the future home of a startup countertop business that is investing almost $3 million in the project.

Mocksville will see funding for a business expansion that is expected to create 52 jobs. The town will also receive a grant to extend a water line serving businesses along the I-40 corridor.

And in the High Country, a specialty game and gift packaging company in Sparta will receive funding to expand its facilities.  

N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders released a statement touting 2022 as a record year for economic development in the state and says her office remains committed to business opportunities for rural communities.