Southeastern Economic
Development Commission
103-A West Broad Street
Post Office Box 921
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
(910) 862-6985
Fax (910) 862-6986
The History of SEDC
In 1967, counties in southeastern North Carolina joined together for the purpose of forming a multi-county economic development district as provided for in the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. After passing resolutions endorsing the creation of the district, the Southeastern Economic Development Commission (SEDC) District was created and designated on December 19, 1968. The Commission operates under Chapter 158, Article 2 of the North Carolina General Statutes.
SEDC is currently composed of ten counties: Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Pender, Robeson, Sampson, and Scotland.
The Commission's Board of Directors is made up of forty members, four from each county. The Board directs the staff and is the governing arm of the Commission. Funds for the operation of the office are provided through a planning grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), and dues from the ten member counties, plus a designated amount of in-kind equipment and furniture in the office. The Commission headquarters is located in Elizabethtown, the geographic center of the District.
The staff works with the local economic development commissions and government officials to provide grants for infrastructure requirements for new and expanding industries. Grants are made under the U.S. Department of Commerce's public works program, administered through EDA to provide water, sewer, natural gas extensions, rail spurs, treatment plants, or other infrastructure improvements that will allow the creation of industrial jobs at a new facility or the addition of jobs at an existing industry. Applicants must meet criteria set forth in the current FEDERAL REGISTER to receive an EDA grant.
The Commission reviews and compiles statistical information for use by various groups, organizations and governmental entities. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) reflects the current socio-economic makeup of the district.
The District has been awarded approximately $73.5 million of EDA funds for projects implemented in the member counties. These funds have been used for a wide variety of projects which have created jobs and improved living conditions in the District.
