The North Carolina Railroad Company Opens Applications for Economic Development Initiative to Increase the Number of N.C. Rail-Served Sites Ready for Development.
The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) will begin accepting Build Ready Sites applications on August 29, 2022. The selection criteria prioritizes proposals from both rural and economically distressed communities as well as those sites with demonstrated community backing and support from infrastructure partners, such as railroads and other key utility providers.
For more information on Build Ready Sites application criteria and deadlines, please visit NCRR.com/ED.
Through this program, NCRR acts as a catalyst to increase the number of rail-served sites that are ready for use by a manufacturer or similar employer, boosting the opportunity for job growth and local economic development through rail. Build Ready Sites funds can be used for land preparation (clearing/grading), critical water, and or/sewer extension (within specific ownership/lease scenarios beneficial to a community).
“Each application being submitted will undergo a rigorous screening and site-review process overseen by Global Location Strategies, a consultant based in Greenville, S.C.,” said NCRR President and CEO Carl Warren. “We’re honored to have an innovative program that not only fosters growth in our local communities, but also creates opportunities for meaningful partnerships that expand our state’s competitive advantage.”
The target site size should be no less than 50 developable acres, as this has been EDPNC’s most requested rail site size range over the past three years. Sites must also meet other environmental, zoning and infrastructure requirements. Site funding will total up to $500,000 ($750,000 if site located along NCRR corridor) or 60 percent of the total proposed project cost – whichever is less
“North Carolina needs build-ready, or construction-ready rail sites,” said NCRR Director of Economic Development Joe Stallings. “North Carolina has few existing resources for development without significant interest from a client in a specific land site. This is where investments from NCRR, through Build Ready Sites, will help add to the development of land sites, new jobs and an overall contribution to the state’s economy.”
NCRR has a demonstrated history of increasing the state’s competitive advantage through investments in the freight rail infrastructure needs of companies considering location or expansion in North Carolina. Build Ready Sites is the beginning of an ongoing initiative to partner with communities and railroads across the state to combine resources and leverage funds for site readiness. Visit NCRR.com/ED to learn more.
About the North Carolina Railroad Company
The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) is a private corporation whose stock is owned by the State of North Carolina. The NCRR manages the use of 317 miles of track stretching from Charlotte to the Port of Morehead City. The company’s mission is to benefit the people of North Carolina by aggressively leveraging the unique strengths and capabilities of the North Carolina Railroad Company. Its vision is to offer a modernized railroad that meets the needs of the future, expanding North Carolina’s competitive advantage.
