The North Carolina Railroad Company announced recently that it will have two application rounds this year for its Build Ready Sites Program.
The spring application round for the program opened on May 12 and will run through June 13, officials said. The program will make a total of up to $3 million in grants available in each round for communities to use in developing rail-served industrial sites throughout North Carolina. Since the program’s 2021 inception, the company has awarded more than $9.3 million in grants to 17 counties across the state, creating more than 3,500 “build-ready” acres for rail-served industrial development.
“Primed industrial sites are a critical component of North Carolina’s infrastructure for supporting business recruitment and expansion,” said Carl Warren, President and CEO of the North Carolina Railroad Company. “The expansion of our Build Ready Sites program aligns with increasing demand for domestic manufacturing capacity and provides communities with a strategic asset to facilitate timely project development.”
Up to $750,000 is available for sites along the NCRR corridor, officials said. Any potential rail-served site can apply for up to $500,000. The grants are awarded based on competitive criteria, but proposals from rural and economically distressed communities. Sites must be at least 50 contiguous developable acres located within a half mile of potential rail service. Eligible projects must also demonstrate community support through a 20 percent match. Service confirmation from the serving railroad is also required.
In 2024, NCRR awarded Anson, Guilford and Randolph counties $500,000 each as part of the program. Anson County received funds to clear and grade a 78-acre logistics park, while Guilford County and Randolph counties used their grant funding to implement water and sewer extensions at two industrial development sites.
“When site selectors evaluate opportunities in Guilford County, they’re looking for sites that are ready to go,” Marvin J. Price, executive VP of Economic Development for the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. “This grant is a critical step forward in strengthening Guilford County’s ability to compete for rail-served industrial projects. With infrastructure in place, we can move at the speed of business—showcasing sites that are truly ready for development. NCRR’s investment enhances our market competitiveness and positions us to attract transformative employers to our region.”