Craven County approves economic development package including Techbridge, industrial park and Lot 6 infrastructure

Craven County commissioners on Aug. 4 approved a suite of economic-development budget amendments that county economic-development staff said will support multiple projects — including continued Techbridge programming, industrial park lot and building improvements, and water and sewer infrastructure for Lot 6.

Economic Development Director Jeff Wood summarized the package as producing roughly $39 million in private investment and potential to create or support up to 275 jobs across several projects. The board approved a $530,570 rollover for Techbridge to fund events, facility development and university partnerships; an $843,900 amendment for industrial-park improvements (including a roughly $543,900 state grant plus partner and local match funds); and a $1,165,808 amendment to support Lot 6 infrastructure and airport-related infrastructure for runway and access, which the director tied to 55 acres of property under development and an existing flex-space building.

Wood said the package includes partners such as the Cleanline Alliance, regional airport and university system collaborators; he also noted the county had property sales and offers underway. The board approved the measures by roll call; all passed.

Discussion: commissioners thanked economic-development staff and noted the projects were the result of multi-year collaboration with state and regional partners. The director said the amendments will support “flex warehouse space,” Techbridge showcase follow-up, and engineering research projects with university partners.

Formal action: Each budget amendment passed on unanimous roll-call votes recorded during the meeting.