Resident urges Bertie County to pursue industrial investment tied to I‑87 and Highway 11S

During the public-comment period a local resident who said he serves on or works with rural infrastructure funding forums urged the board to plan for industrial development along Interstate 87 and the Highway 11S corridor. He described programs administered by the state Rural Infrastructure Authority and said, while acknowledging potential conflicts of interest, he would be willing to brief the board on funding options and grant programs available to tier‑1 and tier‑2 counties.

The resident noted larger regional projects — including port and rail expansions in neighboring jurisdictions — and suggested Bertie County position land and infrastructure to attract industrial partners. He urged coordination with county economic development staff and offered detailed RIA program guidance to county leaders if the board wanted a follow-up briefing.