Rail connectivity is a competitive advantage, and this grant helps us deliver it.
The North Carolina Railroad Company Opens Fall 2025 Build Ready Sites Grant Round; Awards $2.5M to Spring Recipients
RALEIGH, N.C., SEPT. 15, 2025 – The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) will accept applications for the Fall 2025 round of its Build Ready Sites Program (BRS) on Monday, Sept. 15 through Monday, Oct. 17. The competitive grant initiative helps communities prepare rail-served industrial sites for future development and job creation.
This is the first time the program offered two application rounds in a single year, a response to increasing interest from communities and site developers.
“North Carolina’s economic future depends on how well we prepare today,” said Carl Warren, president and CEO of the North Carolina Railroad Company. “The Build Ready Sites Program equips communities with the tools to attract transformative industry. Expanding to two grant rounds this year reflects the growing demand for domestic manufacturing capacity.”
Since its launch in 2021, the BRS Program awarded $11.7 million in private grants to 21 counties across North Carolina, helping create more than 4,000 acres of rail-served property for industrial use. These investments aim to strengthen local economies, attract new industry and support job creation in both rural and urban communities.
In the spring 2025 cycle, NCRR awarded $2.5 million overall to four communities preparing rail-served sites for future industrial use. “By investing in rail-served sites, we’re giving North Carolina communities the tools to compete and win-attracting jobs, industry, and long-term growth,” said Trish Haver, chief commercial officer of the North Carolina Railroad Company.
The Town of Spencer in Rowan County received $750,000 for water and sewer extensions at the N.C. I-85 South site, a 100-acre property. Partners include the Rowan County Economic Development Council and Samet Corporation.
“This investment helps us unlock the full potential of the N.C. I-85 South site,” said Peter Franzese, Spencer town manager. “With infrastructure in place, we’re ready to welcome employers who will bring lasting economic benefits to both Spencer and Rowan County.”
Mecklenburg County received $500,000 towards clearing and grading as well as connecting to public utility infrastructure at the 40-acre Pence Road site. The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Company (ACWR) owns the industrially zoned property and partnered with the county to pursue the grant.
“Rail connectivity is a competitive advantage, and this grant helps us deliver it,” said Nick Elder, director of real estate for the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Company. “We’re proud to work with NCRR and Mecklenburg County to bring new development and infrastructure to the Pence Road site which helps to support future growth.”
NCRR awarded Wayne County up to $750,000 for utility extension and relocation at a 44-acre lot in ParkEast Industrial Park in Goldsboro, a project advanced in partnership with the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region. The fourth grant of $500,000 was awarded to Cabarrus County for site readiness regarding rail centric development on the ACWR.
These awards build on NCRR’s commitment to advancing site readiness and ensuring communities are well-positioned to compete for new industrial projects.
Communities interested in applying for the Fall 2025 round should:
– Review program guidelines
– Create a login and apply here.