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Craven County approves $360,000 state building‑reuse grant for Project Enterprise manufacturing expansion
Summary
The board unanimously accepted a North Carolina Department of Commerce building‑reuse grant of $360,000 and authorized a $18,000 local match and chair/staff to execute documents to support a proposed expansion of an existing manufacturer described as Project Enterprise (Chadzworth/Chadzsworth).
Craven County commissioners voted April 6 to accept a $360,000 North Carolina Department of Commerce building‑reuse grant and provide a required local match of $18,000 to support “Project Enterprise,” a proposed expansion of an existing manufacturing operation in the county.
Jeff Wood, who introduced the proposal, told the board the project would reuse and improve an existing industrial facility to support manufacturing related to information and communication technology, industrial automation and information protection. He said the project anticipates capital investment in the millions and the creation of full‑time jobs over a two‑year period. “The grant itself is $360,000,” Wood said; the local match equals 5 percent of that award.
Why it matters: the county will serve as the grant applicant and administrator, enabling local oversight of the renovation and private investment. Commissioners framed the package as economic development that retains existing North Carolina jobs while supporting additional capital investment.
The board voted by roll call to accept the grant and authorize the chairman and county administration to execute any related documents. Chairman Booker thanked staff and the project team; Madam Clerk recorded an affirmative roll call by all seven sitting commissioners.
Background and next steps: the presentation included two slightly different project frames: an earlier statement referenced $9.5 million in capital investment and the creation of 45 full‑time jobs, while subsequent discussion described a five‑year investment of $15 million and job figures reported up to 150. Commissioners authorized the grant acceptance and directed staff to complete required documentation and match funding arrangements.
The public hearing on the project was opened and closed with no members of the public speaking. The county will administer the building reuse contract and proceed with grant‑funded improvements if the grant award is finalized.
