In the commissioners’ chamber at the Richmond County Administrative Building Monday afternoon, the Golden Leaf Foundation presented three big checks to several county municipalities.

“It’s an exciting day for these three important projects which I think are three no-brainers,” said County Commissioner Chairman Kenneth Robbinette. “These projects will benefit the county for years to come.”

A check for $1 million was presented to Ellerbe for its sewer rehabilitation project, $664, 424 to the city of Rockingham for sewer expansion to East Rockingham, and $500,000 for Richmond Community College for work on the Forte Building.

The amount Rockingham received for sewer expansion to East Rockingham will be combined with $800,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, which will provide 4,221 linear feet of sewer piping for Forrest, Gardenia, Madison, Chestnut and Midland streets, and the repaving of streets after the work is completed.

Money awarded for the Ellerbe wastewater expansion project can be used to leverage funding for the estimated $5.3 million project. Possible sources of additional grant funding include the Rural Center and the Clean Water Management Trust Fund.

Golden LEAF’s mission is to promote the social welfare of North Carolina’s citizens and to receive and distribute funds for economic impact assistance to economically affected or tobacco-dependent regions of North Carolina.

The foundation awards grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities across North Carolina.

Staff writer Eren Tataragasi can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or at etataragasi@yourdailyjournal.com.