Raleigh -- October 19, 2026: North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority has approved $2.236 million in grants for nine local government projects, including the reuse of a manufacturing building in Shelby, Gov. Josh Stein announced Oct. 15.
According to the governor’s office, the projects carry commitments for 219 jobs, including 78 newly announced positions and 141 previously announced jobs. Associated private investment is expected to exceed $504 million.
The grants will support manufacturing facilities, water and sewer infrastructure, and downtown improvements.
“These infrastructure grants strengthen the foundation for growth in rural North Carolina,” Stein said in the announcement.
Shelby Manufacturing Project Receives Funding
In Cleveland County, a $129,000 grant will help prepare a vacant, 26,447-square-foot building in Shelby for Safety Test & Equipment Company. The company manufactures safety equipment for utility workers and repair trucks. The project is expected to create 17 jobs and involve an additional investment of $137,050.
The Shelby award is one of six grants approved through the state’s Building Reuse Program, which helps local governments support building renovations and expansions associated with job creation.
The largest building reuse award is $500,000 for renovations to a 310,000-square-foot Reckitt Benckiser facility in Wilson. The company manufactures health, hygiene and nutrition products, including Mucinex. While the overall project is expected to create 289 jobs, the state attributed 112 positions and $432.6 million in investment to this grant.
Other building reuse awards include:
Fayetteville: $152,000 to support a vacant building’s reuse by Sigma Crossings & Railroad Products Inc., with 20 jobs and approximately $3.58 million in investment expected.
Beaufort County: $50,000 for renovations at MJM Yachts in Washington, associated with 13 jobs and $140,076 in investment.
Pitt County: $80,000 for an expansion at Edgecombe Furniture in Greenville, with 10 jobs and approximately $3.85 million in investment expected.
Vance County: $144,000 for an expansion at Select Products Holdings in Henderson, associated with 18 jobs and approximately $23.86 million in investment.
Water and Sewer Improvements Receive $1 Million
Scotland County received the largest individual award: $1 million for water and sewer improvements at the Southeast Regional Airport Authority Industrial Park. The infrastructure will support Great Southern Wood Preserving’s lumber treatment manufacturing facility. The overall project is expected to involve $40 million in investment, with 29 jobs tied to the grant.
That award comes through the Industrial Development Fund’s Utility Account, which supports publicly owned infrastructure connected to economic development in eligible counties.
Downtown grants support library access and theater preservation
Two additional grants will fund downtown improvements.
Elkin will receive $100,000 to improve pedestrian connections and accessibility at the Elkin Public Library. Work includes adding 260 feet of sidewalk along Front Street, repairing existing sidewalks and restoring a historic stone retaining wall. An additional $8,053 in investment is expected.
Clinton will receive $81,000 for a new roof at the Clinton Theatre, helping protect its recently renovated interior and prevent further deterioration. The project is expected to involve another $10,019 in investment.
Both awards fall under the Rural Downtown Economic Development program.
The Rural Infrastructure Authority reviews funding requests from local governments, with support from the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division. The investment and employment figures represent project commitments and projections, rather than completed spending or jobs already filled.
Source: North Carolina Governor’s Office, Oct. 15, 2026, announcement.