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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget2026-04-29

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill appropriates $400 million in state funds to provide grants to North Carolina's economically disadvantaged "Tier One" counties for projects supporting self-sufficiency, infrastructure, education, and workforce development. Counties can receive up to $10 million each and must submit proposals to the Department of Commerce for approval, with annual reporting required to track how funds are used.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses genuine economic disparities in struggling rural and economically distressed counties by providing direct resources for local economic development.
• •Proponents contend that empowering Tier One counties to design their own projects promotes effective, locally-tailored solutions to infrastructure and employment gaps while supporting long-term community self-reliance and competitiveness.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may question whether $400 million in nonrecurring state funds is the most efficient use of resources, noting the funds don't continue beyond their expenditure.
• •Critics might also be concerned about oversight mechanisms, the vagueness of approval criteria, or whether grants truly ensure measurable economic outcomes rather than potentially ineffective spending.