North and South Carolina are aggressively diversifying their economies to survive a devastating loss of the region's manufacturing base.
"The Carolinas continue to revamp and diversify their economies as they try to weather the storm that has seen much of their traditional manufacturing base, especially in textiles, unravel over the past three years. North Carolina has lost nearly 30,000 textile jobs since the start of 2001. South Carolina lost 4,200 textile jobs during the year running from September 2002 to September 2003. Both states see various forms of high technology as their salvation... North Carolina state officials are touting their latest economic-development tool, the job development investment grant program (JDIG), giving it credit for bringing in 1,580 jobs and $50.5 million in investment during a six-month period (May to October) in 2003. Created by the General Assembly in 2002, JDIG provides grants to new and expanding companies deemed 'strategically important.' "
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: The Carolinas Cultivate Their Stronger Sectors

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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