The Craven County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 2 approved a budget amendment and resolution to support Project Home 2, an expansion by manufacturer BSH that county staff said will invest $11,300,000 in real estate, machinery and equipment and create more than 199 jobs over five years.

Jeff Wood, the county's economic development director, said the North Carolina Department of Commerce awarded a $500,000 grant for the project through the Rural Infrastructure Authority. That award requires a county match of 50%, or $250,000; Wood said the Craven Iron Alliance's executive committee has appropriated $100,000 toward the local match. Wood asked the board to approve the budget amendment and a resolution authorizing the grant agreement and the county's match.

The board opened the advertised public hearing pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 158-7.1; no members of the public signed up to speak. After questions from commissioners about the source of county match funds, Wood said the county will use proceeds from sales of land in the industrial park.

The board voted by roll call to approve the budget amendment and the accompanying documents. Wood said staff will return with the formal grant agreement and any required contract paperwork and that a separate budget amendment reflecting the Craven Iron Alliance contribution will be presented.

Why it matters: A multi-million-dollar private investment with a state infrastructure grant and a local match represents a substantial economic-development action for Craven County. If the investment and hiring occur as described, the project would affect local employment and tax base.

Details: Wood described the $11.3 million investment, the $500,000 state grant, the required $250,000 county match and the Craven Iron Alliance $100,000 contribution toward the match. The county intends to fund its match from proceeds of property sales in the industrial park; staff said a formal budget amendment reflecting the alliance contribution will follow.