Bill
HB 1096
HB 1096 creates a multi‑year, state‑funded push to grow NC aerospace via airport funding, workforce training, research grants, and incentives to attract industry investment.
Date filed: April 29, 2026
Sponsor: Representative Reives (and co-sponsors: Ross, Cervania, Loftis)
Purpose
- Create a comprehensive set of programs and funding streams to support North Carolina’s aerospace industry and airport infrastructure, anchored by the state’s “First in Flight” heritage.
- Establish new capital project accounts and programs, workforce development initiatives (apprenticeship and dual enrollment), and targeted research and supply chain support to attract investment and grow high-wage aerospace jobs.
Key Provisions
Part I: Aviation Investment Grant
- Creates the One North Carolina Aviation Capital Project Program, funded from the One North Carolina Aviation Capital Project Account.
- Authorized funding: $5,000,000 in nonrecurring General Fund discretionary funds for FY 2026-2027 to support eligible airport projects.
- Administrative framework:
- Program administered by the Department of Commerce in consultation with the North Carolina DOT, Division of Aviation.
- Grants may be awarded to airports to offset costs for airport projects.
- Grants disbursed from the new Aviation Capital Project Account.
- Airport must enter grant agreements and a company performance agreement with an eligible aerospace business, with funds disbursed only after compliance with the performance agreement.
- Guidelines and transparency:
- Guidelines must be competitively awarded based on projected economic impact.
- Public notice and a 15-business-day comment window for proposed guidelines; 20 days’ notice prior to effective guidelines.
Part II: Aerospace Workforce Development Program
A. Community College Aerospace Program
- $25,000,000 (nonrecurring) to the Community Colleges System Office for FY 2026-2027 to create or expand aerospace training programs.
- Up to 5% of funds may cover administrative costs.
B. Aerospace Apprenticeship Program
- Establishes a grant-based program to incentivize employer–community college partnerships for apprenticeships in aerospace.
- Application timeline: Publicly available by Aug 1, 2026; applications due by Sept 1, 2026.
- Priority factors: higher employer matching funds, credentials/job offers upon completion, stackable credentials aligned with state career pathways and aviation standards.
- Program requirements for applicants:
- Employers must provide at least 50% matching funds.
- Apprenticeships must last at least six months.
- Focus areas include airframe/powerplant mechanics, avionics, composites, precision machining.
- Preference for graduates obtaining interviews or hiring.
C. Additional Funding for Aerospace Education
- $15,000,000 (nonrecurring) to the Community Colleges System Office for FY 2026-2027 to support the Aerospace Apprenticeship Program, with up to 5% administrative costs.
D. Aerospace Dual-Enrollment Programs
- Up to $5,000,000 to develop a dual enrollment pilot enabling high school students to begin aerospace coursework toward certification.
- Up to 5% administration costs.
- Additional $5,000,000 to support grants to community colleges partnering with high schools to align CTE pathways with aerospace training (administrative costs up to 5%).
- $10,000,000 in nonrecurring funds for 2026-2027 to support the above purposes.
Part III: Aerospace Hub Program
- $100,000,000 (nonrecurring) to the Department of Transportation, Aviation Division, for FY 2026-2027 to modernize airport infrastructure and incentivize aerospace manufacturing projects.
- Up to 5% may be used for admin/marketing expenses.
- Department of Commerce to certify sites as “aerospace innovation zones,” requiring infrastructure and university partnerships as criteria.
Part IV: Aerospace Research Grants
- $30,000,000 (nonrecurring) to UNC’s Board of Governors for FY 2026-2027 to fund aerospace flight research.
- Preference given to institutions that collaborate with industry partners or secure matching funds from non-state sources.
- Up to 5% may cover admin/marketing expenses.
Part V: Supply Chain Support
- $100,000 to a nonprofit contractor contracted by the Department of Commerce to assist North Carolina aerospace companies with export assistance and FAA certification.
Part VI: Effective Date
- The act takes effect July 1, 2026.
Affects and Implications
Overall Impact
HB 1096 aims to position North Carolina as a national leader in aerospace by aligning workforce development, capital investments in airport/infrastructure, research funding, and targeted industry incentives. It emphasizes competitive grant processes, industry partners, and regional economic development through a coordinated set of programs.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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