North Carolina’s 2025 Rural Infrastructure Grants: Fueling Growth Across the State
North Carolina continues to shine as a beacon of economic growth and opportunity. In February 2025, the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved 13 grants totaling approximately $9.6 million to bolster rural communities. These strategic investments are set to create 371 new jobs and attract over $165 million in public and private investments.
Economic development and job growth act as powerful magnets for population growth—when new employers move in and existing businesses expand, people follow the jobs. This inflow of residents drives up demand for housing, often leading to new residential construction and rising home values. At the same time, more people living and working in an area naturally boosts demand for everyday goods and services, which in turn fuels the growth of retail shopping—from grocery stores and gas stations to restaurants and neighborhood shopping centers. In short, jobs are the spark that lights the fire for real estate and retail expansion.
Cities and Counties Benefiting:
- Chowan County (Town of Edenton): $275,000 grant to repurpose a 22,000-square-foot building for Provalus, an IT outsourcing firm, creating 61 jobs with a $6 million investment.
- Columbus County (Chadbourn): $450,000 allocated to transform a 220,000-square-foot facility for Barrier Fencing Supply Company, aiming for 91 new jobs and a $14 million investment.
- Columbus County (City of Whiteville): $390,000 granted for Provalus to utilize a 19,000-square-foot building, resulting in 60 jobs and a $1.7 million investment.
- Montgomery County (Town of Troy): $850,000 for the Main Street Revitalization and Connectivity Project, enhancing infrastructure and accessibility.
- Wayne County (City of Goldsboro): $612,500 to support the preservation of the historic Union Station building.
- Watauga County: $125,000 for the Public Library Renovation Project, expanding resources and improving functionality.
- Wilson County (City of Wilson): $850,000 for the Barnes Street Properties Rehabilitation Project, creating a Downtown and Whirligig Park Visitors Center.
- Davie County (Town of Mocksville): $750,000 to upfit a 500,000-square-foot shell building for SBA Home, a Lithuanian furniture supplier, creating 250 jobs with a $50.8 million investment.
- Beaufort County (Town of Aurora): $200,000 for infrastructure improvements at the town’s 30-acre industrial park.
- Catawba County (City of Claremont): $1 million to enhance sewer infrastructure, supporting Prysmian Cables and Systems’ expansion.
- Hoke County: $1.4 million to extend sewer infrastructure at the Hoke County Regional Industrial Park for Pennsylvania Transformer Technology LLC, expected to create 181 jobs with a $95 million investment.
- Lenoir County: $1.9 million for sewer infrastructure improvements at the NC Global TransPark, facilitating the U.S. Department of Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center, projected to create 311 jobs.
- Robeson County (City of Lumberton): $825,000 to relocate electrical circuits in the Southeast Crossroad Industrial Park for Cold-Link Logistics’ new cold storage facility, aiming for 63 jobs with a $10 million investment.
These grants underscore the pivotal role of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) in fostering statewide prosperity. The EDPNC’s mission to enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians is evident through initiatives like these, which stimulate job creation and infrastructure development across the state.
North Carolinians can take pride in residing in a state that not only attracts significant investments but also prioritizes the growth and vitality of its communities.
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Win Coleman, CCIM, is a graduate of East Carolina University where he received his bachelor’s degree in finance. He holds both North Carolina and South Carolina Real Estate Licenses and was awarded the prestigious CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation in 2008.
Win served on the board of directors of The Triangle Apartment Association (TAA) where he co-chaired The Independent Rental Owner’s Council (IROC). He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Triangle Commercial Association of Realtors (TCAR) and the Raleigh Kiwanis Club.
While a specialist in site identification, evaluation and acquisition for investors and businesses, he also has extensive experience in brokerage, leasing, property management and investment sales.
Win assists in managing The Coleman Group, LLC, which owns a portfolio of investment properties, and he is a member of our acquisitions committee. He has lifelong experience and love for historic properties including the one he restored and where he resides in Historic Oakwood in Downtown Raleigh.