Citizens of Northampton County should give themselves a pat on the back for a job well done.

On Tuesday, County Manager Wayne Jenkins was notified by Golden LEAF Vice President of Programs and Community Assistance and Outreach Pat Cabe that the Golden LEAF Board approved five projects totaling $1,554,100 through the Community Assistance Initiative Program at their June 3 meeting.

The money will fund five projects: a Rich Square Career Training Center, an up fit of the Lake Gaston Community Center as well as expanded services, runway lighting for Tri-County Airport, advanced IT (information technology) and electrical systems for the North Carolina Center for Automotive Research and Northampton County Library Renovation/Addition.

Each of these projects will benefit the citizens of county in several aspects, including education, quality of life and economic development.

However, it all never could have happened without the dedicated work of citizens.

The Golden LEAF Board’s decision comes after nearly a year of preparation on projects by key community leaders and citizens. At times the decision making process and prioritizing projects was a tough task, but those involved shared a common goal: to help their county.

In the end, it paid off, literally, in $1.5 million.