Scotland County Among Tobacco Grant Winners

Source from:  The Associated Press fayobserver.com ROCKY MOUNT 08/23/2007

The foundation that helps tobacco-dependent counties build new economies has awarded more than $3 million in grants for projects promoting economic development, education and community recreation, officials said Tuesday. The Golden LEAF Foundation gave the grants to the Beaufort County Committee of 100 to help keep manufacturing jobs, the Scotland County schools for interactive technology and recreation programs in Gates County, officials said. The Beaufort County group will receive $1.5 million to help construct a 75,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that officials said will bring 100 jobs within the next three years. The grant money also will pay for new equipment at a local manufacturing business that's expected to create 50 new jobs over the next three years. Scotland County schools will receive nearly $700,000 to outfit 86 classrooms with interactive learning technology. The money also will go toward staff development and technical support. In Gates County, a community recreation center built in 1978 will receive $780,000 for a renovation and expansion project. The upgrades include air conditioning in the gymnasium, a new skate park, a children's playground and fitness room. Since 2000, the Golden LEAF has awarded 575 grants worth more than $216 million. Enditem