Wooten Helps Secure $4.5M in Golden LEAF, Rural Economic Development Funds

In the last two months, our teams assisted communities to submit eight successful economic development grant applications that add up to more than $4.5 million. The funds announced recently were made available by the Golden LEAF Foundation and N.C. Department of Commerce (DOC). DOC awarded grants through its Rural Economic Development Department program.

Golden LEAF resources stem from a portion of North Carolina’s 1998 settlement with cigarette manufacturers. The money is directed to increase economic opportunity in the state’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities:

• The Town of Edenton will receive $249,300 for stormwater system improvements to reduce flood risk to residential and commercial structures.

• Nash County will receive $500,000 to expand the sewer system for the Middlesex Corporate Centre. The improvements are intended to support economic growth.

• The City of Lumberton was awarded $250,000 to increase stormwater capacity to mitigate flooding at a specific intersection between road and rail traffic.

• The Martin County Economic Development Corporation will obtain $29,500 for the NC Rail and Commerce Park.

Here is what the Rural Economic Development grants make possible:

• The City of Lumberton will receive $900,000 for the expansion of the Carolina Civic Center. This public space will serve as a hub for nonprofit and community events.

• The Town of Jonesville was awarded $900,000 for the expansion and renovation of the Jonesville Public Library. The Northwestern Regional Library system has served citizens in Alleghany, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin counties for more than 60 years.

• he Town of Tarboro will receive $875,000 for a new staircase from the Main Street roundabout to the Tar River, as well as an ADA-compliant sidewalk for river access.

• The Town of Pembroke was awarded $850,000 for their Hwy 711 Streetscape to support downtown revitalization. It will provide safe and accessible pathways to connect disadvantaged residents to key community destinations.

Wooten’s Funding Strategies Team has partnered with local leaders to help secure more than $600 million for community infrastructure. Reach out to let us know your priorities. Our Funding Strategies Team stands ready to assist.