RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Town of Boone was among the recipients of nearly $3 million in state grants awarded to rural areas Friday.
The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved nine requests for local governments totaling $2,941,000. The grants include commitments that create a total of 137 jobs. Gov. Josh Stein’s office says the public investment in these projects will attract more than $52 million in additional private and public investment.
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“North Carolina’s rural communities are excellent places to live, work, and do business,” said Governor Josh Stein. “The latest rural infrastructure grants support these communities even more by helping to create jobs, expand access to health care, and strengthen downtowns.”
In Boone, a $850,000 grant will assist the town in prioritizing pedestrian safety by converting the westbound lane of Howard Street from Appalachian Street to Burrell Street into a pedestrian and bicycle-only corridor.
Phase Two of the project includes water, sewer, and stormwater improvements, as well as burying utilities. The project is expected to leverage an investment of more than $15 million.
The Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants program provides grants to local governments to support downtown revitalization and economic development initiatives.
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