Economic Infrastructure Program

The North Carolina Economic Infrastructure Program funds rural water and sewer projects associated with an expanding business or a new business location. These projects must lead directly to new, full-time jobs in the private sector. Only units of local government may apply.

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Frequently asked questions

What do the economic infrastructure grants cover?
How do these projects create jobs?
Will any jobs count?
So the jobs don't have to be in manufacturing?
What's the minimum number of jobs that must be created?
Are there any other restrictions?
How much money can I get for my project?
How do I cover the rest of the project cost?
May I apply?
How will you know if the jobs are created?
What if the project falls short on job creation?
What's the deadline for applications?
Who decides if we receive the grant?
How do I apply?

What do the economic infrastructure grants cover?
Grants may be used for the construction of water or sewer projects that create jobs. The projects may involve:

• upgrade or repair of drinking water or wastewater treatment plants
• upgrade or repair of water or sewer lines
• other water or sewer projects related to business creations or expansions

How do these projects create jobs?
This may be by enabling a new company to locate in the area or an existing business to expand.
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Will any jobs count?
The project must result in net new jobs within two years of the date we execute the contract, that is, when both parties have signed it. These jobs must:

• be in the private sector
• be full time (at least 35 hours a week)
• pay at least minimum wage

So the jobs don't have to be in manufacturing?
No, they may be in manufacturing, retail, service, warehousing/distribution, other commercial fields or nonprofits. But they must be private sector jobs, not in government. And all the other criteria apply as well.
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What's the minimum number of jobs that must be created?
We have no minimum. Even five or 10 jobs can provide a much-needed boost in a depressed rural economy. But the size of a grant is tied to the number of new jobs.
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Are there any other restrictions?
Economic infrastructure grants may not be used for projects receiving other Rural Center water or sewer grant funds or for land purchases and related fees.
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How much money can I get for my project?
Grant awards are available for up to $10,000 for each job created, with a maximum grant of $1 million or one-half the total project cost.
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How do I cover the rest of the project cost?
Grants must be matched dollar for dollar by other funds. The local government must match at least 5 percent of the grant amount, either through cash or a loan. In-kind services may not be counted toward the match. Remaining costs may be covered by other public or private sources. In particular, the N.C. Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grants Program supports infrastructure projects that create or retain jobs. A number of other public and private entities also offer grants or loans that can be used to match Rural Center funding.
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May I apply?
Eligible applicants are:

• a unit of local government (county or municipality) in one of North Carolina's 85 rural counties, or
• a unit of local government in a Tier 1 urban county.

Applications must be signed by the chief elected official of the local government.
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How will you know if the jobs are created?
You'll have to count or verify relevant jobs three times during the course of a project. The business owner or company's human resources department must provide verification.
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What if the project falls short on job creation?
Some or all of the grant money will have to be repaid. This will be spelled out in a performance agreement that the local government and the business(es) involved must sign before the grant can be awarded.
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What's the deadline for applications?
Pre-applications are accepted at any time.
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Who decides if we receive the grant?
The Rural Center Board of Directors makes all grant decisions. Awards may be limited by the availability of funds.
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How do I apply?
We recommend you review the full application guidelines to understand the terms and conditions of the program. Then, to apply:

1. Complete a pre-application form and submit it by:
   • Mail: N.C. Rural Economic Development Center, N.C. Economic Infrastructure Program, 4021 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610
   • Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
   • Fax: 919-250-4325

2. If the project is eligible, the Rural Center will call you to arrange a meeting or conference call involving the center, the participating business and the local government. At this time, we'll discuss the terms of the performance agreement and other conditions of the Economic Infrastructure Program.
3. If we all agree to pursue the project, we will recommend it to the Rural Center’s board.
4. Once the board approves a grant, the applicant then must complete a full application and execute a performance agreement. These must be submitted within six months. If not, the grant could be revoked.

Contact

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Grants Manager, Economic Infrastructure Program

N.C. Rural Economic Development Center

4021 Carya Drive

Raleigh, NC 27610

Telephone: 919-250-4314

Fax: 919-250-4325