Press Release
March 8, 2022

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $761,040 to Support Infrastructure Improvements and Create Jobs in Henderson, North Carolina

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $761,040 grant to the county of Vance, North Carolina, to make critical infrastructure improvements needed to support business growth in the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park.

This project will promote job creation through roadway and sewer upgrades necessary for business expansion. This EDA grant, to be matched with $190,260 in state investment, is expected to create 50 jobs and generate $3.2 million in private investment.

“President Biden, the Commerce Department, and the entire administration are committed to building a better America, and these critical infrastructure investments are exactly what is needed to achieve that ambitious goal,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. “These grants will have an enormous impact on the regional economy, generating good-paying jobs and over $3 million in private investment, and will serve as an important down-payment on the over $7 billion coming to further repair and enhance North Carolina’s roads and bridges thanks to the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement their plans to provide the vital infrastructure that businesses need to be successful,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will support necessary infrastructure upgrades to serve Vance County industries and accommodate future growth.”

“We can build a stronger future for all by making smart investments in roads, water systems and other infrastructure,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Vance County is a great place to live, work and raise a family, and this grant will help make necessary improvements and create more jobs.”

“This infrastructure grant is a big win for Vance County and the continued growth of the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park,” said Senator Thom Tillis. “I was proud to advocate for this award on their behalf, and I want to thank Vance County Commissioner Tommy Hester and Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments Executive Director Diane Cox for their partnership as we worked together to create more jobs in rural North Carolina.”

“I am very pleased with the Economic Development Administration’s decision to invest in Vance County. This grant award is well-deserved and will provide needed funding for infrastructure improvements that will support business and job growth at the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park,” said Congressman G.K. Butterfield (NC-01). “These EDA funds will support infrastructure improvements and economic development that will be felt not only in Vance County, but within all five counties of the Kerr-Tar area.”

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.