Build Ready Sites

The Build Ready Sites Program is a grant initiative that supports the development and marketing of rail sites in North Carolina.

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

35+ acres and ability to develop a 200k sq. ft. building
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 potential for 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 community support from county commissions and/or municipal councils is required.

Our Awarded Build Ready Sites

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

Candor Logistics Park – Montgomery County

35

Acres
Two pad-ready

Industrial Sites
Up to 300,000 sq. ft.

Building Accomodation
Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway

Operating Railroad

Map Number	County/City	Acres	Serving Railroad
1	Alexander	300	Alexander RR
2	Pitt	170	CSX
3	Moore	73	Aberdeen & Rockfish
4	Burke	85	Norfolk Southern
5	Montgomery	86	ACWR
6	Catawba	187	Norfolk Southern
7	Randolph	104	Norfolk Southern
8	Chatham	1400	Norfolk Southern
9	Montgomery	93	ACWR
10	Scotland	52	Gulf & Ohio
11	Nash	580	CLNA
12	Warren	60	CSX
13	Beaufort	186	Norfolk Southern
14	Anson	78	CSX
15	Guilford	115	Norfolk Southern
16	Randolph	67	Norfolk Southern
17	Spencer	100	Norfolk Southern
18	Mecklenburg	40	ACWR
19	Wayne	44	Norfolk Southern
20	Mecklenburg	66	ACWR
21	Harnett	50	RFCC
22	Greensboro	132	Norfolk Southern

Load more investments

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.

See all questions