WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — Wayne County is set to benefit from two major economic development grants awarded through North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA), part of a statewide investment aimed at boosting rural economies and creating hundreds of jobs.
Governor Josh Stein announced that the RIA has approved 15 grant requests for local governments across the state totaling more than $5 million. These investments are expected to help support the creation of 702 jobs and attract over $104 million in private investment.
“Every investment we make in rural North Carolina enhances our state’s economic competitiveness and people’s lives,” Gov. Stein said in a statement. “These local governments are receiving critical funding for infrastructure improvements that spur job creation and help their communities compete for future economic development wins.”
Two Wayne County Projects Funded
Wayne County received two of the approved grants, supporting business expansion and building renovation efforts that are expected to bring new employment opportunities to the area:
- Mount Olive — $200,000 Building Reuse Grant
Funding will support a 10,000-square-foot expansion for Goshen Engineering, Inc., an industrial automation company serving the automotive, electronics, and food sectors. The project will create 25 new jobs and includes a private investment of $794,501. - Goldsboro — $95,000 Building Reuse Grant
A 121,170-square-foot building is set to undergo renovation to become the new home of Scout Limited, Inc., a wholesale and distribution company. The project carries a private investment of $320,000 and will create 13 new jobs.
Local leaders say these investments help strengthen the county’s economic competitiveness and build a stronger future workforce.
Focus on Rural Economic Growth
The Rural Infrastructure Authority helps communities fund essential projects such as infrastructure development, building improvements, and health facility expansions — all designed to support new and existing business growth in rural areas.
“These grant awards are a testament to the assets that attract companies across all sectors to every corner of our state,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “That includes a world-class workforce, a central East Coast location, and a great quality of life.”
As part of the overall grant package, funding was approved in 13 other communities throughout the state, supporting companies involved in manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, health care, and more.
With both Wayne County projects tied directly to job creation, county officials expect the impact to be felt quickly through new employment opportunities and increased investment in the local economy.
