The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Program is designed to provide financial support to local governments for public infrastructure projects that will facilitate the creation of full-time, private-sector jobs. The program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and is overseen by the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA). This initiative aims to bolster economic development in rural areas by improving essential public infrastructure, including water and wastewater systems, access roads, natural gas lines, and rail spurs. Grants are awarded to eligible projects based on the anticipated economic impact, job creation, and location of the project.

The primary purpose of the program is to fund infrastructure projects that enhance local economic growth and attract businesses to rural communities. By offering financial assistance for planning, construction, and administrative costs, the program helps municipalities and counties build or upgrade critical public utilities that support business expansion and job creation. The program mandates a cash match of at least 5% of the grant request amount, ensuring that local governments invest in the success of their projects.

The program supports a range of infrastructure improvements, including the construction, upgrading, or repair of public drinking water and wastewater treatment plants, public water or sewer lines, and publicly owned natural gas lines. Other eligible projects include the construction of publicly owned access roads that are not funded by the Department of Transportation and public rail spur improvements. These improvements aim to strengthen the economic viability of rural areas by enhancing connectivity and utility access.

Eligibility for the program is restricted to units of local government located in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties or within a rural census tract in a Tier 3 county, as defined by North Carolina’s tier rankings. A rural census tract is identified as an area with a population density of fewer than 500 people per square mile, based on the most recent federal census. The tier ranking system, which categorizes counties based on economic distress, is available on the NC Department of Commerce website.

The program includes claw-back provisions, which require repayment of the grant if the job creation commitments are not met. Grant recipients must ensure that the committed jobs are created and maintained for at least six consecutive months during the two-year grant period. This ensures accountability and alignment with the program’s economic development goals.

Grants are awarded by the Rural Infrastructure Authority, which convenes six times a year to review and approve applications. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by specified deadlines aligned with RIA meetings. Application materials and deadlines can be accessed through the North Carolina Department of Commerce website.

For further information, applicants can contact Hazel Edmond, Director of Rural Engagement & Investment, within the Rural Economic Development Division. She can be reached via mobile at 984-297-5082 or by email at hazel.edmond@commerce.nc.gov.