Governor Josh Stein released the following statement regarding an update on I-40 and U.S. DOT Secretary Duffy’s visit to western North Carolina: “Today, I am pleased to announce that we will reopen two lanes of I-40 by March 1. I am proud of NCDOT’s focus on this challenge and the roadworkers who have worked tirelessly to reopen roads and keep people safe. Reopening these lanes will help reconnect North Carolina and Tennessee and allow us to welcome back visitors to bolster the economy.
Press Releases
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Duke Endowment has committed $5 million to the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative grant program, which will support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Since its initial announcement on January 31, the WNCSBI grant program has already seen nearly 900 applicants—a number that is increasing daily.
Today, Governor Josh Stein joined leaders from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to discuss strategies to support North Carolina workers, particularly veterans in the workplace. Governor Stein also toured Wilmington’s NCWorks site and discussed career resources available to jobseekers.
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Cold-Link Logistics, a cold storage management firm, will create 123 new jobs in Robeson County. The company will invest $85.5 million to build a cold storage warehouse in Lumberton.
Governor Josh Stein today requested $1.07 billion in immediate funding to support urgent rebuilding needs in western North Carolina. Governor Stein’s budget request includes funds to strengthen the economy, get people back into homes faster, repair infrastructure, support farmers, fix private roads and bridges, remove debris, and help school children stay at grade level.
Today, Governor Josh Stein issued a proclamation recognizing Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness (EITC) Day to encourage eligible hardworking North Carolinians to claim the tax credit they have earned on their upcoming federal taxes.
Today in Boone, Governor Josh Stein joined Dogwood Health Trust to announce a $30 million small business grant program to support businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene and bolster economic recovery. Small businesses with an annual revenue of up to and including $2.5 million are eligible to apply for grants up to $50,000 from the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative grant program.
Governor Josh Stein visited Eastern Elementary School in Greenville this morning as the school continued its “Wellness Week,” which focuses on building healthy habits. He met with students, faculty, and parents, and learned more about the school’s free school meals program and STEM program.
Today, Governor Stein announced that Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business (NYSE: RTX), will expand its turbine airfoil manufacturing plant in Buncombe County, a significant vote of confidence in western North Carolina. The company’s expansion project will create 325 additional jobs and includes an additional investment of $285 million in Asheville.
Today, following the resignation of Utilities Commission Chair Charlotte Mitchell, Governor Josh Stein appointed Floyd B. McKissick Jr. to carry out the remainder of Mitchell’s term, which goes through June 30, 2029. Governor Stein also appointed Steve Levitas to fill McKissick’s position through June 30, 2025.