SmBIZ Infrastructure Grant | ~$1,000,000 | Active: Targeted at the Lansing business district. Funds are being used to rehabilitate aging water and sewer lines and improve streetscapes to support local commerce and growth. |
$116M (Regional) | In Progress: A portion of these federal funds is allocated to Lansing for rebuilding critical infrastructure, clearing debris from public roads, and reinforcing bridges that were compromised or washed out. | |
CDBG Building Reuse | Up to $750k/project | Available/Ongoing: These funds are used to renovate vacant commercial or industrial buildings in town. The goal is “upfitting” spaces (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) to attract new businesses and create permanent local jobs. |
ARPA (Rescue Plan) Funds | Varies | Final Stages: Lansing has been utilizing these funds for community resilience projects. As of early 2026, the town is in the “final countdown” to complete projects related to revenue replacement and public safety upgrades. |
USDA Section 504 Grants | Up to $15k/person | Direct to Public: Ongoing grants for elderly or low-income residents in Lansing to fix health and safety hazards in their homes (e.g., roof repair, accessibility ramps). |
Lansing, NC: Active Grant & Project List (2025–2026)
What is Being Done with the Funds
1. Infrastructure “Hardening”
Following the damage from Hurricane Helene, a primary focus for Lansing is transportation and access. Grants are currently being used to:
- Stabilize Driveways and Bridges: Repairing the “washed-out” access points that isolate residents during heavy rains.
- Stream Restoration: Utilizing North Carolina DEQ grants to manage stormwater runoff and prevent future erosion along local waterways.
2. Business District Revitalization
Lansing is using its Rural Infrastructure and Building Reuse grants to make the town more attractive to entrepreneurs. This includes:
- Modernizing the electrical and fire suppression systems in older downtown buildings.
- Improving the “walkability” of the town center to boost tourism and foot traffic for local shops.
3. Public Accessibility
The town and county are leveraging Accessible Parks Grants to ensure that local recreational areas are updated. This includes:
- Adapting existing park facilities to be ADA-compliant.
- Ensuring that natural spaces are accessible to veterans and children with disabilities.
4. Homeowner Assistance
For residents directly, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is currently being used to:
- Acquire or Elevate Properties: In high-risk flood zones, funds are being used to buy out flood-prone properties or pay for the elevation of homes to prevent future disaster claims.
How to Apply: A Resource Guide for Lansing Residents and Business Owners
Understanding that “grants are available” is only half the battle. If you are looking to secure funding for home repairs or business growth in Lansing, here are the specific steps and contacts you need for the current cycle.
1. For Homeowners: The USDA Section 504 Program
This is the most consistent resource for Lansing residents. It provides loans for home modernization and grants specifically for removing health and safety hazards.
Maximum Amounts: * Grants: Up to $10,000 (lifetime limit).- Disaster-Specific Grants: Up to $15,000 if your home was damaged in a presidentially declared disaster area (like the recent hurricane events).
- Loans: Up to $40,000 at a fixed 1% interest rate.
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- Eligibility: You must own and occupy the home, be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere, and have a household income below the “very low” limit for Ashe County. Grants are strictly for those aged 62 or older.
- How to Apply: * Applications are accepted year-round through the USDA Rural Development local office.
- You can start by filling out the Form RD 3550-35 (Intake Form) available on the USDA website.
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2. For Business Owners: Small Business Recovery & Growth
If you are operating a business on or near Lansing’s main street, several programs are designed to help you scale or recover.
- The Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative: This program offers grants of up to $50,000 for small businesses to help with equipment, payroll, or facility costs.
- NC IDEA SEED: If you are running an innovative startup or a digital-first company, this organization offers $50,000 equity-free grants.
- Upcoming Window: The Fall 2026 application cycle typically opens in August.
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- One North Carolina Small Business Program: This is a reimbursement program specifically for businesses engaged in research and development or those collaborating with universities.
3. For Nonprofits and Community Groups
If you are leading a local project through an organization like GLAD (Greater Lansing Area Development) or a local church, the following resources are key:
- Ashe County Community Foundation: This is an affiliate of the NC Community Foundation. They recently awarded significant grants to groups like Lansing’s Bridge to Recovery and Ashe County Habitat for Humanity.
- NC Housing Finance Agency (Urgent Repair Program): This program provides funds to local nonprofits to help very low-income residents with emergency repairs. If your organization wants to facilitate these repairs, the application cycle typically begins in November.
Key Local Contact Points
To get the most up-to-date information on town-specific infrastructure projects (like the SmBIZ water/sewer project), residents should utilize these local channels:
- Ashe County Economic Development: Visit the county office in West Jefferson for a full list of local incentives.
- NCWorks Career Center: If your business is struggling with staffing or you are a “dislocated worker” due to recent environmental shifts, contact the local NCWorks center for training grants.
- Lansing Town Hall: For specific updates on the Lansing business district rehabilitation projects and how streetscape changes may affect your storefront.
Quick Reference: Grant Deadlines & Caps
USDA 504 Grant
$15,000
Seniors (62+) for safety repairs
Year-round
WNC Small Business Init.
$50,000
Small business owners
Varies (check portal)
NC IDEA SEED
$50,000
Innovative Startups
Aug 2026 (Fall Cycle)
Urgent Repair Program
$15,000
Low-income (via nonprofits)
Jan 2027 (Next cycle)
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