Demolition Grant Program in North Carolina

The Rural Demolition Program provides financial assistance to local governments for the demolition of blighted, publicly owned buildings in rural areas. The primary goal of the program is to encourage site redevelopment that supports economic development by preparing properties for private sector investment and job creation. Demolishing vacant and deteriorating buildings enables local communities to clear space for new commercial or industrial projects that can revitalize the area.

Eligible applicants for the grant are units of local government located in North Carolina's Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, or within a rural census tract of a Tier 3 county. A rural census tract is defined as an area with a population density of fewer than 500 people per square mile, according to the most recent federal census. The local government must own the building and the property, and the building must have been vacant for at least three years prior to the proposed demolition. The program specifically excludes properties zoned for residential use from eligibility, and the property must not be used for government purposes, parking, recreation, or housing for at least three years following the grant award.

To qualify, the local government must provide a cash match of at least 25% of the total project cost, with these funds coming from local resources and not from other state or federal grants. Grant funds can only be used for the actual demolition and removal of the blighted structure. Once the demolition is complete, the property must be "site ready" for new development, meaning that it is primed for future construction or use by private entities, with a clear expectation of job creation and economic investment on the site.

The funding available through the Rural Demolition Program varies depending on the size of the building and the expected economic impact of the redevelopment. The maximum grant amount is $75,000 for buildings 100,000 square feet or smaller and up to $150,000 for larger buildings. Additionally, no more than $12,500 can be awarded per projected job to be created on the rehabilitated site. The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) is responsible for making the final decisions on awards, and they meet six times annually to review applications.

In order to apply, local governments must submit a detailed application by the specified deadlines, which correspond to the RIA meeting dates. These deadlines and application materials can be accessed through the North Carolina Department of Commerce website. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Hazel Edmond, the Director of Rural Engagement & Investment, for more information about the program and application process.

This program is an important tool for local governments seeking to address blight in rural areas and stimulate economic growth by making land available for private development projects. Keywords associated with this opportunity include rural development, blight removal, demolition grants, economic redevelopment, and job creation.