WNC Business -- September 5, 2026: Western North Carolina communities are seeing direct economic and medical investment through state-backed infrastructure programs designed to revitalize existing properties, attract private capital, and create jobs. Administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA), these initiatives partner with local governments to help offset renovation costs for growing businesses and essential community facilities.
In the latest funding round, the RIA awarded $666,000 in Building Reuse grants to two Western North Carolina municipalities. Together, the projects are projected to generate nearly $14.8 million in private investment and bring 85 new jobs to the region.
In Caldwell County, the City of Lenoir was awarded a $186,000 grant to support the renovation of a 103,102-square-foot facility. The building will be occupied by Chase Corporation, a manufacturer of protective materials, industrial coatings, tapes, adhesives, and sealants. The company's expansion is expected to generate $233,274 in private investment and create 37 new manufacturing jobs.
In Buncombe County, the Town of Black Mountain received a $480,000 Rural Health grant to assist with the reuse of an 8,740-square-foot building for Appalachian Mountain Health. The facility will operate as an integrated healthcare center offering primary care, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy services. The expansion represents nearly $14.6 million in private investment and is slated to add 48 healthcare jobs.
The Building Reuse Program remains a primary economic tool for rural North Carolina, providing funding to local governments to renovate vacant or underutilized industrial, commercial, and healthcare structures while spurring private-sector growth.