RALEIGH, N.C., MAR. 28, 2023 – The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) is investing $3.9 million in seven counties and eight projects across the state as part of its Build Ready Site (BRS) program. Beaufort, Catawba, Chatham, Iredell, Montgomery, Randolph, and Scotland counties will use the BRS funds to improve available rail-served sites for future industrial development to attract new businesses and encourage local economic growth.
“This is the second year of our Build Ready Site program and we’re excited for this year’s recipients,” said Carl Warren, NCRR President & CEO. “This unique program allows communities across the state to work proactively toward attracting businesses interested in a construction-ready and rail-served sites. With these investments, North Carolina is positioned for greater economic development opportunities by working together to eliminate site development risk.”
Rail-served sites made “build ready” attract new businesses by priming properties for construction without an upfront investment from an interested client. Build Ready Sites bypass a client company’s need to prepare a rail-served site for construction. With this program, NCRR acts as a catalyst to increase the number of rail-served sites ready for use by a manufacturer or similar employer.
“We applaud the North Carolina Railroad Company and its initiatives like the Build Ready Sites program that drive greater economic potential across North Carolina,” said Christopher Chung, Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. “With this innovative site readiness program, NCRR is accelerating the development of rail-served sites, encouraging the creation of new jobs, and bringing new business investment to our state. Kudos to NCRR and to the successful applicants for this latest round of funding awards.”
BRS funds can be used for land preparation, such as clearing and grading and extending water and sewer capabilities. The selection criteria for this program prioritizes proposals from rural and economically-distressed communities, sites with demonstrated community backing, and locations with support from infrastructure partners, including railroads and certain utility providers.
Build Ready Sites 2022 Program Award Recipients
The Build Ready Sites 2023 Program application process will open in July and close in September of this year. For more information and to stay up to date on Build Ready Sites application criteria and deadlines, please visit NCRR.com/ED.
About the North Carolina Railroad Company
The North Carolina Railroad Company is a private corporation whose voting stock is owned by the state of North Carolina. The Company manages the use of 317 miles of track and property stretching from Charlotte to the Port of Morehead City. The Company’s mission is to benefit North Carolina by aggressively leveraging the unique strengths and capabilities of the North Carolina Railroad Company. Our vision is a modernized railroad that meets the needs of the future, expanding North Carolina’s competitive advantage.
About the Build Ready Site Initiative
The North Carolina Railroad Company started the Build Ready Site (BRS) program in 2021. The program provides funding for rail-served sites to develop land and become “build ready” to attract new businesses to the area. Award recipients must undergo a rigorous application and site review process. Recipients can use BRS funds for land preparation (clearing/grading) and critical water/sewer extension. This innovative program encourages business investment in the state, fosters growth in local communities and expands North Carolina’s competitive edge.
