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Surry County approves incentive for manufacturer 'Project Freedom' promising about 50 jobs
Summary
After a public hearing, the board approved an incentive package for a Mount Airy manufacturer described as 'Project Freedom' that could bring nearly 50 jobs and roughly $3.5 million in local investment.
The Surry County Board of Commissioners on July 21 approved a cash grant incentive package to support a manufacturing project the county identified in its materials as “Project Freedom.”
The board opened and closed a public hearing before voting to adopt a resolution that will authorize the county attorney to draft a contract with the company. Blake Moyer of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership described the project as an existing Mount Airy manufacturer that employs more than 100 locally and is planning to add roughly 50 positions following an acquisition of a competitor.
Moyer told commissioners the company plans about $3.5 million in investment in Mount Airy and that the new positions would have average wages “right at the county average” (about $44,500). The incentive in the county packet is an 80% cash grant paid over five years, calculated as 80% of taxes paid; county estimates placed the total tax payment at about $62,113 and the corresponding cash grant at $49,691 (rounded).
Commissioners adopted the resolution to authorize contract drafting after the public hearing. The motion was introduced and adopted during the meeting; Commissioner Mark Marion moved to adopt the resolution and Commissioner Melissa Hyatt seconded the motion.
The resolution authorizes staff and the county attorney to prepare an agreement reflecting the cash‑grant structure, with final contract terms to return to the board for approval. The firm will also be applying for a North Carolina building reuse grant through NC Commerce, the presenter said; the City of Mount Airy approved a similar local incentive the previous week.
Ending: The board’s vote begins the formal contract-drafting phase; final disbursement of the incentive will depend on contract terms and the company’s fulfillment of job, wage and investment commitments specified in the agreement.
