NCRR: $3.9M for Build Ready Sites

NCRR photo

The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) is investing $3.9 million in seven counties and eight projects across the state as part of its 2022 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,” NCRR said.

Build Ready Sites 2022 Program Award Recipients:

• Beaufort County Industrial Park (Beaufort County)
• Claremont International Rail Site (Catawba County).
• CAM Site (Chatham County).
• Midstate Development Center (Chatham County).
• Project Tin Cup (Iredell County).
• Candor Downtown Site (Montgomery County).
• 311 South Site (Randolph County).
• Scotland Incubator Park (Scotland County).

“Rail-served sites made ‘build ready’ attract new businesses by priming properties for construction without an upfront investment from an interested client,” NCRR noted. “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.”

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.

“This is the second year of our Build Ready Site program, and we’re excited for this year’s recipients,” said NCRR President and CEO Carl Warren. “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.”

“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 Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina CEO Christopher Chung. “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.”

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, visit NCRR.com/ED.

NCRR started the 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,” NCRR noted.

The North Carolina Railroad Company is a private corporation whose voting stock is owned by the State of North Carolina. NCRR manages 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.”