19 rural local governments across North Carolina will each receive $45,000 to support key economic development projects as part of the Rural Community Capacity Building (RC2) Program, according to a press release from NC Commerce.
The governments listed below participated in the RC2 Program's fourth cohort, gaining specialized training to enhance local government efficiency, build capacity, and position communities for sustained economic growth and prosperity.
“The RC2 Program empowers local leaders to drive sustainable economic growth in their regions,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “By supporting rural communities in building capacity and identifying projects with strong potential, we’re ensuring that North Carolina’s rural areas continue to thrive and prosper."
The RC2 Program is funded through the American Rescue Plan and the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission and administered by Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division.
It includes innovative partnerships with Appalachian State University and East Carolina University. Dr. Carol Kline, director of App State's Hospitality & Tourism Management program, and Erich Schlenker, director of the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship, co-direct the program on App State's campus. Kline also co-leads the UPLIFT program, which is supported by the American Rescue Plan Act and represents one project of several designed to address the impact from COVID-19 on the hospitality, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries.
The RC2 Program's fourth cohort included:
City of Hickory
City of Mount Airy
City of Roanoke Rapids
Greene County
Pamlico County
Pitt County
Scotland County
Town of Andrews
Town of Boiling Springs
Town of Boone
Town of East Arcadia
Town of Manteo
Town of Mayodan
Town of Milton
Town of Mount Gilead
Town of Princeton
Town of Rhodhiss
Town of Stem
Town of Vandemere
More information about the Rural Transformation Grant Fund and the Rural Community Capacity initiative is available at commerce.nc.gov/transform.