Build Ready Sites

The Build Ready Sites Program is a grant initiative that supports the development and marketing of rail sites in North Carolina. Applications open annually in the summer, with a process timeline of six months. All submissions must come from the county’s lead economic development organization.

Overview

Putting the work in now to make rail sites more competitive for the future.

The Need

North Carolina has significant land available for development along active railroad corridors, with multiple funding opportunities for infrastructure and other needs when there is an active economic development client. Having a ready site can be a critical advantage for communities working to attract new companies, as many cannot wait for improvements.

Our Goals

Leverage our rail and safety expertise, assets, and strategic corridor to deliver dynamic services and top-tier solutions that drive economic growth and enhance community well-being.

Position North Carolina with a distinct competitive advantage.
Partner to remove development barriers.
Improve site development timeline predictability.

How Selection Works

NCRR leverages its rail and safety expertise, assets, and strategic corridor to drive economic growth opportunities.

Level of economic distress

Rural nature of site location

Access to industrial-grade utility infrastructure site
(e.g. power, water/ sewer, gas)

Ability for NCRR funding to impact overall development readiness of site

Transportation access
(e.g. rail, highway, interstate, ports)

Work with us

Site Requirements

Size

50+ Contiguous Developable Acres
Ownership

Owned by a willing seller with an established price
Environmental

Must be outside of FEMA 100-year floodplain, free of wetlands, endangered species, or other environmentally unacceptable conditions that significantly impact or delay development*
Infrastructure

Must be served by industrial-grade infrastructure within two years of a potential prospect selecting the location**
Rail

Must be located within 0.5 miles or less and potentialfor rail service confirmed by operating railroad
* Insufficient or missing due diligence studies will have to be completed prior to grant award

** Documentation from utility providers required. Preference given to sites with natural gas access.

Funding Requirements

Availability

Up to $500,000 ($750,000 if site located along the NCRR corridor) or 80 percent of total proposed project costs, whichever is less.

Must demonstrate ability to secure balance of funding through financial or in-kind contributions from railroads, private, non-profit,or public partners.
Usages

Land preparation, critical water and/or sewer service. Proposed funding improvement must be completed within 18 months of grant award.
Applicants

Economic development team via county or local municipality
Support

Demonstrate of community support from relevant county commissions and/or municipal councils required

Our Awarded Build Ready Sites

Take a deeper dive into the build ready sites we've awarded.

Download summary

CAM Site – Chatham County

The Chatham Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) megasite, with over 1,400 available acres for industrial site selection.

2022

Year
1,400

Acres
Norfolk Southern

Operating Railroad
$500,000

Award Amount

	Company	Acres	County
1	Alexander	300	Alexander RR
2	Pitt	170	CSX
3	Johnston	400	Norfolk Southern
4	Moore	73	Aberdeen & Rockfish
5	Burke	85	Norfolk Southern
6	Montgomery	86	ACWR
7	Catawba	187	Norfolk Southern
8	Iredell	204	Norfolk Southern
9	Randolph	104	Norfolk Southern
10	Chatham	1400	Norfolk Southern
11	Montgomery	93	ACWR
12	Scotland	52	Gulf & Ohio
13	Richmond	500	CSX
14	Nash	580	CLNA
15	Burke	1350	NS
16	Warren	60	CSX

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out where the NCRR corridor is?

The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) owns and manages the 317-mile rail corridor that stretches from Charlotte through the Triad and the Triangle to the Port in Morehead City. Click here for an interactive map of the North Carolina rail network.

How do I apply for Right of Entry (ROE) application?

A Right of Entry (ROE) is permission granted by an operating railroad for passage into a rail corridor. You must apply for a Right of Entry permit to obtain access to the rail corridor.

I want to report a malfunction at a railroad crossing.

For health or safety emergencies at a railroad crossing dial 911 first. If you are currently at the crossing, look for the blue sign on the crossing signal pole. This sign will give you the telephone number to call and the crossing number to provide. In North Carolina the crossing is most likely operated by Norfolk Southern (1-800-946-4744) or CSX (1-800-232-0144). Tell them the city and street name when you call if you do not have the crossing number.

Does NCRR run the trains? Does NCRR have a rail yard?

The North Carolina Railroad Company does not operate freight or passenger trains. Norfolk Southern operates the freight trains on the NCRR and Amtrak operates the passenger trains. The rail yards on the NCRR are also operated by Norfolk Southern.

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