WILSON, N.C. (WITN) – The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Reginald Speight is visiting an Eastern Carolina county to talk about grant funds totaling nearly $750, 000 benefiting the community.

Officials say Dr. Basil Gooden, USDA undersecretary for rural development, Congressman Don Davis, and USDA Rural Development State Director Reginald Speight will be at the Gig East Exchange in Wilson this morning discussing the city of Wilson’s recent award of a $749,000 USDA Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant.

The grant offers the opportunity to create high-wage jobs, fast-track new business formation, support industry clusters, and max out the use of local productive assets in eligible low-income areas, according to a news release.

Today’s conversation is scheduled for 9 a.m. this morning.