(Raleigh, N.C.) Gov. Bev Perdue this week announced that eight communities will receive a total of $1.95 million through the state’s Main Street Solutions Fund. The grants will assist planning agencies and small businesses with efforts to revitalize downtowns by creating jobs, funding infrastructure improvements, rehabilitating buildings and finding other growth opportunities.

Grants were awarded to Burlington, Henderson, Kings Mountain, La Grange, Morganton, Rocky Mount, Waynesville and Wilson.  On Thursday, Gov. Perdue visited Burlington and Morganton to tour their downtown districts and she is scheduled to visit Waynesville on Friday.

“We know that some of the most creative and innovative economic development work is being done through small businesses and other economic partners in our downtown areas,” said Gov. Perdue. “Main Streets can be at the heart of North Carolina’s economic recovery with the right support and investment. For every $1 invested by the state, an additional $4.72 will be invested by the local community.”

The small businesses benefitted by the Main Street Solutions grants will create or retain a minimum of 233 permanent full-time and part-time jobs, in addition to 195 construction jobs, according to the grant applications.