North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 143B. Executive Organization Act of 1973 § 143B-472.127. Programs administered

(1) To construct critical water and wastewater facilities or to provide other infrastructure needs, including, but not limited to, natural gas, broadband, and rail to sites where these facilities will generate private job-creating investment.  The grants under this subdivision shall not be subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-355.4.

(2) To provide matching grants or loans to local government units located in either (i) a development tier one or tier two area or (ii) a rural census tract in a development tier three area that will productively reuse or demolish buildings and properties or construct or expand rural health care facilities, with priority given to towns or communities with populations of less than 5,000.  The development tier designation of a county shall be determined as provided in G.S. 143B-437.08.  For purposes of this section, the term “rural census tract” means a census tract having a population density of less than 500 people per square mile according to the most recent decennial federal census.

(3) Recipients of grant funds under this Part shall contribute a cash match for the grant that is equivalent to at least five percent (5%) of the grant amount.  The cash match shall come from local resources and may not be derived from other State or federal grant funds.

(4) In awarding grants under this Part, preference shall be given to a project involving a resident company.  For purposes of this Part, the term “resident company” means a company that has paid unemployment taxes or income taxes in this State and whose principal place of business is located in this State.  An application for a project that serves an economically distressed area shall have priority over a project that does not.  A grant to assist with water infrastructure needs is not subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-355.4.

(5) Under no circumstances shall a grant for a project be awarded in excess of twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500) per projected job created or saved.