Insights

July 28, 2026 —

Centralina and its Economic Development District (CEDD) are proud to announce a $400,000 federal grant for the Built to Last: Critical Infrastructure & Economic Readiness Investment Strategy. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul M. Dabbar announced the award on Monday as part of a $34.2 million effort to support recovery in NC through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant program. Centralina has committed $100,000 in matching funds from a previously awarded state disaster recovery grant, bringing the total project investment to $500,000.

The investment supports the development of the Built to Last Blueprint, a holistic strategy to identify and address vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, critical economic assets, and advanced manufacturing supply chains to strengthen economic resilience across the Greater Charlotte, NC region. Through this project, the CEDD and its partners will develop actionable investment strategies that improve the reliability of energy, water, transportation, and communications systems, support business continuity and industry growth, and enhance the region’s ability to prepare for, recover from, and withstand future disasters.

“As we saw in Hurricane Helene, disasters cross jurisdictional boundaries and a regional approach to resilience is essential,” said Centralina Executive Director Geraldine Gardner. “The Built to Last Blueprint will help communities, utilities, and businesses better understand critical infrastructure vulnerabilities, prioritize investment opportunities, and work together to build a stronger and more resilient future for the Greater Charlotte region.”

For more information on the award announcement or to learn more about the project, contact Centralina’s Director of Community Economic Development Christina Danis, cdanis@centralina.org.