Site Development Initiatives

These programs were established to assist with site identification and development in preparation for the recruitment of impactful economic development projects.

Megasite Readiness Program

aerial view of site with rail availability

About the Program

North Carolina has enjoyed considerable success in recent years in recruiting large economic development projects and seeks to grow site competitive site options for major manufacturing projects in the aerospace, automotive, clean energy, food processing, life sciences, and semiconductor industries.

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Program Goals

To ensure North Carolina’s ongoing competitiveness for major advanced manufacturing opportunities the NCGA established this competitive grant program to accomplish the following:

Identification and evaluation of up to seven sites (minimum of 1,000 acres) for preferred development and marketing.
Assist local governments or a partnership of local governments in the acquisition of a megasite.
Support local governments/partnerships in efforts to analyze, plan, install, and/or upgrade public infrastructure that would make the site more attractive and accessible to potential employers.
Support local governments/partnerships in certain site preparation costs, such as clearing and grading.
Assist local governments/partnerships with the costs of due diligence activities.
Facilitate coordination of economic development agencies, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Transportation.

Megasite Readiness Program Resources

Publication

NC Megasite Readiness Program Report

Large projects have depleted the state’s inventory of megasites and the number of companies seeking megasites across the US is at an all-time high.

Publication

North Carolina Megasite Readiness Program Guidelines

North Carolina has enjoyed considerable success in recent years in recruiting large economic development projects. With this success, the State has also depleted some of...

Publication

Megasite Readiness Program Application

Application for the Megasite Readiess Program Fund

Selectsite Readiness Program

The Selectsite Readiness Program was created to complement the Megasite Readiness Program. It shares the same purpose, but focuses on sites smaller than 1,000 acres that can still support major advanced manufacturing projects. The General Assembly directed that up to 15 sites be identified for priority development and marketing, including at least two sites under 100 acres and seven under 500 acres.

In May 2025, program amendments required EDPNC to hire a site selection firm to identify additional selectsites in counties the President declared major disaster areas after Hurricane Helene. The study identified five additional sites, increasing the total number of Selectsite Readiness Program sites to 20.

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