For immediate release (11/18/11)

Media contact: Garnet Bass, director of communications, 919-250-4314

RALEIGH, N.C. — The N.C. Rural Economic Development Center has awarded 62 grants totaling $9.6 million to create new jobs, increase job placements for laid-off workers and provide clean water in rural counties. The grants will create 1,211 jobs and assist projects benefiting 51 counties.

The grants were approved by the center’s board of directors Nov. 16 and made possible by appropriations of the N.C. General Assembly and other funders.