BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY)–The Brunswick County Commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed economic development incentive for the Pacon Manufacturing Corporation on Monday. In April of 2019, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Pacon was going to bring nearly 300 new jobs to the old US Marine Plant on Quality Drive and invest $37 million in the community.
The commissioners voted unanimously Monday to approve and match the $300,000 One NC Grant. The grant money will go directly toward Pacon, as the company plans for the future in Navassa.
Under the current guideline the project is also eligible for a $700,000 reuse building grant, which would require a $35,000 local match. The local match for the reuse grant will be taken care of though, by the money put forth under the One NC funding match. Brunswick County chairman Frank Williams says the decision was a no-brainer.
“A lot of folks here lost their jobs when companies like Dak-America left the area,”says Williams. “So, it’s going to be good for the economy and it will not only bring workers to the area, provide jobs for the current workers, but also increase our tax base up in the northern part of the county.”
The agreement goes on to say in order to be eligible for the full $300,000 grant, the company must create at least 269 jobs by April of 2024.
