Raleigh – September 11, 2026 -- The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) has awarded $1 million in Build Ready Sites grants to Harnett County and Greensboro, splitting the funding evenly at $500,000 each to prepare rail-served industrial properties for future manufacturers. NCRR simultaneously opened its next competitive grant round, with applications accepted through October 2, 2026.
Harnett County secures funds to develop 58 acres of rail-accessible land
Harnett County will use its $500,000 grant to fund engineering, clearing and grading of an access road at the Byrd Industrial Sites in Lillington. The targeted parcel spans 83 acres, of which 58 are developable, and sits within a larger 224-acre property containing three sites, two of which are rail-served. Stephen Barrington, the county's economic development director, said the investment places Harnett County among a smaller pool of communities equipped to compete for manufacturers that require rail access.
Greensboro grant advances 132-acre Reedy Fork Industrial Site
Greensboro received an identical $500,000 grant to prepare 132 acres near Summit Avenue and Brown Summit Road in Guilford County. The funding will support clearing and grading on the northwest portion of the Reedy Fork Industrial Site, which comprises five tracts. Marshall Yandle, Greensboro's economic development manager, said the support will help move the site forward and give prospective employers greater certainty during site evaluations.
NCRR reopens Build Ready Sites program for a new funding cycle
NCRR opened applications for the next Build Ready Sites round on September 8, requiring communities to submit an initial application detailing the applying organization, contact information, site address and site specifications. Carl Warren, NCRR's president and CEO, said the program reduces development risk by helping communities prepare stronger sites before investment opportunities arrive. NCRR manages 317 miles of rail corridor across North Carolina.