For Immediate Release 7/2/2010

Contact: Garnet Bass, director of communications, 919-250-4314 

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The N.C. Rural Economic Development Center has modified rules governing two grant programs.

The Building Reuse and Restoration Grants Program assists communities in preparing vacant buildings for new, job-generating uses.

The Rural Center board voted June 30 to:

• Eliminate pre-development grants, which had helped cover the cost of initial feasibility studies and other activities to secure commitments from businesses and investors.
• Reduce the amount of funding available per job created. Most businesses are now eligible for $8,000 per job, while businesses with certain NAICS/SIC codes are eligible for $12,000 per job.
• Extend temporary rules to increase maximum grant amounts, decrease match requirements and reduce the length of time buildings must be vacant before renovation. The temporary rules will remain in effect through June 30, 2011.

The Economic Infrastructure Program help lay the groundwork for communities to attract and sustain business development. The board voted to extend a temporary rule that reduces the match local governments must provide for water and sewer grants. The rule reduces the match requirement from 5 percent of the total project cost to 5 percent of the Rural Center grant award. It will remain in effect through Dec. 31.

Both programs are made possible by funding from the N.C. General Assembly. To be eligible for funding under either program, projects must be tied directly to job creation. Local governments in rural and distressed counties are eligible for funding.

Building reuse applications should be sure to use the revised application form.

To learn more about either program, visit the Rural Center’s website (www.ncruralcenter.org). Or, for the water and sewer grants program, contact Sheila Swart at (919) 250-4314 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For the building reuse program, contact Melody Adams at (919) 250-4314 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .