NC counties receive $7.2 million in grants to boost economic growth

RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) - Gov. Josh Stein announced that the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) has awarded more than $7 million in economic development grants to counties across North Carolina.

According to the governor’s office, the grants will support job creation and retention, investments in critical infrastructure to fuel economic growth and strengthened workforce development. The grants serve 15 SCRC-designated distressed counties that rank among the most economically challenged in the nation.

“From modern utility systems to safer roads to training programs that help people get good jobs, we’re working hard to build stronger foundations for growth,” Gov. Josh Stein, SCRC States’ Co-Chair, said. “These investments will help local leaders move their priorities forward, invest in key infrastructure, and build a more prosperous future.”

The funds for the grants were awarded through the FY2025 State Economic and Infrastructure Development program, the governor’s office said.

Local recipients include:

• Columbus County Water and Sewer District II: $500,000 to extend a new water main along Beaverdam Road to improve water capacity, pressure, and fire flow in the southeast region of Columbus County.
• The Town of Chadbourn: $600,000 to support the town in demolishing and replacing Aeration Basin #1 at its wastewater treatment plant.
• The Town of Tabor City: $500,000 to support the extension of a new freight rail spur to enable the expansion of a warehouse and distribution business.
• The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland counties): $410,739 to establish a Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program that will serve six distressed counties in southeastern North Carolina, including the Lumbee Tribe community.

“These investments help communities tackle the challenges that hold back growth and opportunity,” Lee Lilley, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, said. “From strengthening essential infrastructure to expanding workforce training, each project reflects what local leaders tell us they need most. We’re proud to support this work and help position these communities for long-term success.”