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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget2025-03-26

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill appropriates $400 million in state funds to the Department of Commerce to provide grants to North Carolina's Tier One counties (the most economically distressed areas) for projects promoting self-sufficiency, infrastructure, education, and workforce development. Counties can receive up to $10 million each and must submit proposals that the Department must approve before funds are disbursed.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses persistent economic struggles in North Carolina's most disadvantaged counties by providing direct financial support for locally-designed economic development initiatives.
• •They contend that empowering these counties to pursue their own development priorities—whether through infrastructure, education, or job training—is more effective than one-size-fits-all state programs, and that such investment can reduce long-term dependency on state assistance.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that the $400 million appropriation is a significant state expenditure that could be used for other priorities, and that the broad grant guidelines lack specificity about which projects will actually create sustainable economic growth.
• •Some may also question whether this targeted approach is the best use of limited resources or whether the funds might have greater impact through other economic development strategies.