County approves project ordinance for state grant funds; commissioners highlight $15M Chatsworth expansion

The Board of Commissioners approved a project ordinance and budget amendment to segregate remaining state grant funds for industrial-park infrastructure on Feb. 16.

Jeff Wood said the county received $2.45 million from the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) in FY2023 to support infrastructure improvements at the industrial park. Upon review of the grant agreement, Wood said remaining funds must be placed in a separate project fund; the attached project ordinance and budget amendment requested $709,430 to reflect those remaining grant funds.

The board approved the ordinance and amendment by roll call. Chair and staff used the opportunity to highlight a recent ribbon cutting at the industrial park: Chatsworth Industries is expanding operations with a reported $15,000,000 investment in equipment and a plan to add about 150 jobs when fully staffed. "That investment in jobs and dollars is a testament to the value proposition that Craven County gives," Wood said, praising the county's workforce and competitive tax environment.

What happens next: the county will place the remaining grant funds in a separate project fund and proceed with infrastructure work to support ongoing economic development in the industrial park area.