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On Thursday, February 16, 2023, the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure announced a $500,000 grant to support economic development in the Town of Aurora. The grant coupled with a previous allotment of $750,000 from the North Carolina Industrial Development Fund-Utility Account is to be used to complete infrastructure and site development of the Aurora Industrial Park. A previous grant award of $200,000 received from Golden Leaf Foundation in 2019 had been used for site engineering and due diligence studies of the 32-acre park located on NC Hwy 33.

Aurora Mayor Clif Williams recognized the need for a “Contractor Village” to accommodate companies who worked on site at Nutrien, Beaufort County’s largest private employer. The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners immediately signed on to the project and approved a loan for the Town of Aurora to purchase the land. Mayor Williams and the Aurora Industrial Park Team consisting of Judi Lannon, Aurora Town Clerk, Scott Davis, Town Attorney, Michelle Clements the East Group, Sandy Acton, Allen Paul, and Beaufort County Economic Development, have worked tirelessly for the past 8 years to make this project a reality. This funding will help create a much-needed economic boost for the area and serve as an important first step in the Aurora Strategic Plan.

“This is a great day for Aurora. The Aurora Industrial Park is the first phase of renewed economic development that answers both the needs of Nutrien and those of our community” Town of Aurora Mayor Clif Williams.

“We are so happy for Aurora! This will allow us to recruit new business and industry that will increase the tax base and create job opportunities for the citizens of Aurora and Beaufort County” Brad Hufford, Director Beaufort County Economic Development.

Aurora is grateful to Nutrien, Beaufort County and our community partners for their continued support of this project. Thank you for the North Carolina state grant investment in the future economic growth of the Town of Aurora.