BAKERSVILLE – Mitchell County earlier this month was awarded more than $1.3 million in Golden LEAF Grant funding, said Mickey Duvall, Mitchell County Economic Development Commission Executive Director.
The county was awarded funding based on two successful applications—one for the Spruce Pine waterline project and another for the Mayland Community College Pinebridge Project.
The waterline project will usher in the installation of 5,300 linear feet of new, high-pressure waterline from Spruce Pine Town Hall to McDonald’s along Highway 226.
The funds will help the town cover engineering, construction, legal costs and contingencies.
The current obsolete 6-inch asbestos and concrete waterline will be upgraded to an 8-inch line, which will provide higher water pressure to existing businesses and allow for future business expansion.
“This project will further enhance the Highway 226 corridor as even more of a prime area of future economic development in Mitchell County,” Duvall said.
The project will cost approximately $875,349.50, with the Town of Spruce Pine contributing $100,000.
Mayland’s grant funds will go toward the new HVAC system within the Three Peaks Enrichment Center with a total projected cost of $531,908.
The Three Peaks Enrichment Center in which the college will offer education and workforce training.
The local grants are part of $9.6 million in Northwest Prosperity Zone community-based grants and initiative funds.
Outside of Mitchell, only a dozen other applications were selected by the Golden LEAF Board of Directors during its regular April board meeting.
The North Carolina Golden LEAF Foundation launched its community-based grants initiative in the Northwest Prosperity Zone in January 2020. The NC Rural Center provides technical assistance and coaching to organizations developing projects and seeking funding through Golden LEAF and other sources.
“We want to thank Mr. Scott Hamilton, Mr. Ted Lord and the Golden LEAF staff and Board of Directors for awarding us these two much-needed grants for our community,” Duvall said.