Bayboro gets grant to help with planning for revitalization

BAYBORO - The completion of the N.C. 55 widening project next year will change the look of the Pamlico County seat of Bayboro.

The town has qualified for state economic development grant money that could help in revitalization and give a boost in business and jobs.

The town was one of a dozen in the state to receive planning money through North Carolina Rural Center's Small towns Economic Prosperity program.

Art Jackson, the Rural Center's director of the small-towns initiative, said the funding came through the state legislature.

Initially, the town receives $30,000 as part of a two-year program in planning funding for training and consultants. After the first year, if the town has developed a workable plan to bring new business and jobs, it will be eligible for an additional $100,000 to implement specific projects.

Mayor Paige Ackiss said the grant would aid efforts already under way toward revitalization of the town.

"The program was seen as a way for the town to get the professional support it wouldn't have been able to afford with its budget constraints," he said. "It is definitely a shot in the arm, and a great thing for the people of Bayboro."

Mayor Pro Tem Joe Himbry said the town board would schedule public meetings to get residents' views.

"We want all the citizens involved in the process," he said. "It will not be driven by the town board. It will be driven by the citizens, and the commercial people."

Jackson said the small-town project was announced in 2005, followed by the selection of 20 demonstration sites the following year. Bayboro was an applicant, but not a recipient during the first round of funding.

Jackson said the program developed out of a need to help small, rural towns prosper.

"The economic growth in the state is not real balanced," Jackson said. "Rural areas are really suffering."