The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and seven state governments' of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The SCRC’s mission is to build sustainable communities and strengthen economic growth across the Southeast Crescent region.
The SCRC was established by the US Congress in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (The Farm Bill) to address economic and quality of life issues in the 428 counties within the seven-state region.
The SCRC supports economic development activities in 69 North Carolina counties: Alamance, Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Cabarrus, Camden, Carteret, Caswell, Chatham, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Davidson, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gaston, Gates, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Iredell, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Lincoln, Martin, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Scotland, Stanly, Tyrrell, Union, Vance, Wake, Warren, Washington, Wayne, and Wilson.
SCRC Strategic Goals
Each year SCRC provides funding for projects throughout the Southeast Crescent Region of North Carolina. Projects approved for SCRC assistance must support one of the six general goals.
Goal 1: Invest in Critical Infrastructure
Objective 1.1 – Expand the region’s basic water and sewer infrastructure to be more resilient.
Objective 1.2 – Expand and improve access to affordable and reliable digital infrastructure (e.g., broadband, cellular).
Objective 1.3 – Support expanded regional transportation infrastructure systems and transit services.
Goal 2: Improve Health and Support Services Access and Outcomes
Objective 2.1– Support initiatives that expand access to affordable, high-quality healthcare and services that support overall mental and physical health.
Objective 2.2– Provide support to build capacity for navigating and accessing support services.
Goal 3: Strengthen Workforce Capacity
Objective 3.1– Promote workforce development programs (e.g., apprenticeships, internships, on the job training, programs at technical and community colleges) for local high-demand job opportunities (e.g., plumbers, electricians, etc.).
Objective 3.2– Increase enrollment in and completion of critical training programs by investing in wrap-around services.
Goal 4: Foster Entrepreneurial and Business Development Activities Objectives
Objective 4.1– Support the expansion of access to business capital (e.g., micro loans) to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic equity.
Objective 4.2– Invest in programs and business opportunities that address critical challenges facing SCRC communities while providing opportunities to attract and retain talent locally.
Goal 5: Expand Affordable Housing Stock and Access
Objective 5.1– Increase access to wrap-around services and legal assistance to resolve title, heirship, land tenure, and eviction issues.
Objective 5.2– Support enrollment in and access to homebuyer programs.
Objective 5.3– Invest in efforts to improve the affordability and availability of quality housing across the region.
Goal 6: Promote Environmental Conservation, Preservation, and Access
Objective 6.1– Invest in air, water, and soil clean-up efforts that impact historically disadvantaged communities.
Objective 6.2– Preserve and expand access to the SCRC region’s natural resources to increase outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities.
Informational Documents
General SCRC Informational Documents
- Southeast Crescent Regional Commission: Strategic Plan (2023-2027)
- NC SCRC Economic and Infrastructure Development Plan
- NC SCRC FY 2023 Strategy Statement
- NC SCRC FY23 Economic Status Map
State Economic and Infrastructure Development (SEID) Grant Program
The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) publishes an annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to solicit applications for grants under the State Economic Development and Infrastructure (SEID) grant program. This NOFA provides a general overview of the SEID grant program and outlines specific requirements needed to complete the application process. Access to the application and additional information can be found on scrc.gov.
The 69 NC SCRC counties are served by eleven Local Development Districts (LDDs), also called Regional Councils in North Carolina. Region Councils were established in 1969 under G.S. 143-341 and they serve as the lead regional organizations.
The North Carolina SCRC Program works closely with Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments to develop projects that are consistent with the SCRC Authorizing Legislation and guidelines. COG's are an active and critical part of the SCRC partnership. The North Carolina SCRC Program Manager meets with the COG's regularly to discuss regional issues and to gauge the need for SCRC resources.
2023 Kerr-Tar SEID Funded Projects
Low-Pressure Pump Station - Henderson, NC
The City of Henderson received $500,000 for the installation of a low-pressure pump station. This project aims to alleviate environmental health impacts, enhance residents' quality of life, and address housing stock shortages in the community by replacing problematic septic systems in the Main St. area.
Frontier Warren: Developing Frontier Warren’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem – Town of Warrenton
The Town of Warrenton received $80,000 to expand its business incubator and entrepreneurial ecosystem at Frontier Warren. This project, in partnership with Research Triangle Park (RTP), aims to increase capacity and resources for local small businesses. It will offer specialized entrepreneurial education, networking opportunities, and mentorship to empower entrepreneurs and stimulate economic vitality in rural North Carolina.
2025 NOFA Coming Soon