Jackson County and Spencer Town Receive Landmark Brownfields Grants from NCRR

Jackson County and Town of Spencer Awarded First Brownfields Site Grants

In a significant boost for local redevelopment, Jackson County and the Town of Spencer have been selected as the first recipients of the Brownfields Site Grants by the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR). This initiative is aimed at tackling environmental barriers and revitalizing underutilized properties, setting the stage for new industrial opportunities and job creation in the area.

Understanding Brownfields

Brownfield sites are properties that face complex challenges linked to environmental concerns, which often make redevelopment efforts daunting. These sites pose risks due to potential contamination, making them less attractive for new business investments. By offering funding through the Brownfields Site Grant program, NCRR is enabling local governments to conduct essential evaluations and remediation planning, which are necessary first steps toward rejuvenation and productive use.

Carl Warren, President and CEO of NCRR, emphasized the importance of overcoming early hurdles to access the hidden potential in rail-served properties. “Not every job-creating site begins as a blank slate. We help communities unlock these opportunities,” he stated, illustrating the program's intent to facilitate industrial growth.

Grants Awarded

In this inaugural round, Jackson County has received $92,000 to assess a former sawmill site located at 3636 Skyland Drive in Sylva. This site, which has been idle since early 2024, will require an additional 20% match from the county, contributing approximately $23,000 to the $115,000 total project budget. The grant will fund both an environmental assessment and the planning of remedial strategies, ultimately preparing it for future industrial use. Jackson County manager Kevin King heralded this initiative as an opportunity to transform the former sawmill into a pathway towards prosperity.

Similarly, the Town of Spencer has been awarded $99,800 for a property at 2555 North U.S. Highway 29, which has historically served as a textile dyeing facility. The expected transformation aims to make this site accessible for rail use, which will attract investment and create additional job opportunities. Town manager Peter Franzese pointed out how vital this funding is for recasting a site that has long been dormant into a vibrant hub of activity, addressing one of North Carolina’s historical economic struggles.

Long-term Impact and Strategy

To ensure these projects yield lasting benefits, NCRR outlines specific requirements that municipalities must adhere to in order to maintain the grants. Sites benefiting from these funds will need to enter the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Brownfields Program as part of their redevelopment strategy. Additionally, the grant funds must be utilized within two years, allocated towards meaningful onsite remediation efforts. A key stipulation includes securing a company that will commit to moving at least 40 rail cars annually for a minimum of five years, underscoring NCRR's goal to catalyze sustained economic growth.

NCRR's Brownfields Program runs concurrently with its Build Ready Sites initiative, highlighting a comprehensive approach to enhancing the inventory of rail-served properties and fostering economic development throughout North Carolina. By investing in these overlooked areas, the program aims to convert hidden challenges into a future of new opportunities, and the initial grants to Jackson County and Spencer are just the beginning of this transformative journey.

For more information about NCRR’s Brownfields Site Grant program and its services, visit NCRR.