#United States #Greensboro #North Carolina Railroad #Harnett County

North Carolina Railroad Company Invests in Future Industrial Development

In a significant move to enhance economic development, the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) has announced a generous $1 million investment through its Build Ready Sites program. This funding aims to prepare strategic rail-served industrial sites in both Harnett County and Greensboro, paving the way for future economic opportunities.

Aiming for Preparedness

As NCRR opens applications for the next round of funding, the awarded grants of $500,000 each to Harnett County and Greensboro are expected to overcome existing barriers to development, making these locations more attractive to prospective industrial customers.

Carl Warren, the president and CEO of NCRR, emphasized the importance of preparedness: “The best time to prepare for an economic development opportunity is before it arrives. Build Ready Sites gives communities the resources to reduce development risks and present stronger sites to companies considering investing in North Carolina.”

Harnett County's Strategic Plans

Harnett County will utilize its half-million-dollar grant to revitalize an 83-acre site at the Byrd Industrial Sites in Lillington. With 58 acres suitable for development, the funding will be directed towards essential initiatives, including engineering, clearing, and grading access roads, thus enhancing the site’s accessibility for rail-served manufacturers.

Stephen Barrington, Harnett County's economic development director, remarked on the backwardness that this investment may address: “Preparing and protecting rail-served sites puts Harnett County in a smaller pool of communities that compete for manufacturers requiring rail.”

Greensboro’s Future Prospects

Similarly, Greensboro is poised to benefit from its allocation of $500,000, directed at preparing 132 acres located near Summit Avenue and Brown Summit Road in Guilford County. This site, known as the Reedy Fork Industrial Site, consists of five tracts undergoing preparations for future industrial development. The grant will support necessary site work in the northwest portion to ensure its readiness.

Marshall Yandle, Greensboro’s economic development manager, reiterated the significance of having robust industrial sites ready for opportunities, saying, “NCRR's investment is a valuable partnership as we prepare this property for future development.”

Next Steps for Interested Communities

On September 8, NCRR opened applications for the ensuing round of the Build Ready Sites funding. The program focuses on assisting communities in enhancing rail-served industrial properties and boosting their competitiveness for attracting new industries.

Communities wishing to apply must follow specific guidelines, including submitting an initial application with organizational details, contact information, and site specifics. Applications will be accepted until October 2, 2026.

About NCRR

The North Carolina Railroad Company has a storied history of over 175 years, playing a pivotal role in the state's economic growth. Managing 317 miles of rail corridor, NCRR leverages its rail safety expertise and unique assets to provide dynamic services aimed at economic advancement. The company strives to facilitate opportunities that lead to economic gains across North Carolina. For further information, visit ncrr.com.