The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) is awarding $2 million in total investments to rail-served sites across four North Carolina counties in the third year of its Build Ready Sites (BRS) program. Richmond, Nash, Burke, and Warren Counties will each use the investments to make improvements to available rail-served sites in preparation of future industrial development. These improvements will attract new businesses and support growth for the local communities.
“Our Build Ready Sites program is a unique opportunity for counties in North Carolina to receive investment and professional assistance towards preparing sites for new opportunities and businesses,” said Carl Warren, NCRR President and CEO. “We’re excited for this year’s recipients and looking forward to the impact these investments will have across the state for years to come.”
Rail-served sites made “build ready” attract new businesses by priming properties for construction without an upfront investment from an interested client. The BRS program helps the recipients, many of which are local governments, bypass a potential client company’s need to prepare a rail-served site for construction, increasing the number of rail-served sites ready for use by a manufacturer or similar employer in North Carolina.
“Two million dollars awarded to these four counties is game-changing and meaningful,” said Jordan Whichard, Chief Deputy Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce and a member of NCRR’s board. “This level of investment will help prime these locations for future employers and attract additional investments in these communities.”
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 prioritize 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 2023 Program Award Recipients
The Build Ready Sites 2024 Program application will open in July and close in September of this year. For more information and to stay up to date on Build Ready Site application criteria and deadlines, please visit https://www.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.
