Pender County’s new wastewater treatment plant recently received a financial boost in the form of a $500,000 grant from the NC Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA). The grant is one of three Economic Infrastructure Program grants announced last week, and - according to the agency's news release - it is earmarked for helping construct the new plant, located in the Pender Commerce Park, which fronts US 421.

According to its website, Pender County has an agreement with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority for construction of the wastewater plant. This project, the website states, will not only facilitate industrial development within the commerce park, but will also open up other development opportunities along the US 421 corridor in western Pender County.

The RIA is part of the Rural Economic Development Division at the NC Department of Commerce. Its grants include assistance for building reuse and restoration as well as infrastructure improvements, including those for water and sewer, the release stated.