Site Development Initiatives

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

Changes to Megasite and Selectsite Readiness Programs

Proposed Revisions to Site Development Initiatives

Recently, the General Assembly passed House Bill 74, introducing several significant changes to the Megasite and Selectsite Readiness Programs. In response, the EDPNC has incorporated these updates into the proposed 2025 program guidelines.

As required, the EDPNC will accept public comments on the proposed guidelines during a 20-day comment period (ending on or about July 7, 2025). While the EDPNC may consider revisions based on the feedback received, it is not obligated to make any changes. Please note that the proposed guidelines will not take effect until the conclusion of the comment period.

Comments on the proposed 2025 guideline revisions may be submitted to Dan Gerlach at dangerlachnc@gmail.com and Garrett Wyckoff at garrett.wyckoff@edpnc.com.

MEGASITE PROGRAM SELECTSITE READINESS PROGRAM

NC Selectsite Guidelines with Helene Appropriation

Recently, the General Assembly enacted S.L.2025-26 to the Selectsite Readiness Program. In response, the EDPNC has incorporated these updates into the proposed 2025 program guidelines. These guidelines only apply to the $15 million appropriated by the General Assembly for the 2025-26 fiscal year in Section 2A.6 of S.L. 2025-26.

As required, the EDPNC will accept public comments on the proposed guidelines during a 20-day comment period (ending on or about July 22, 2025). While the EDPNC may consider revisions based on the feedback received, it is not obligated to make any changes. Please note that the proposed guidelines will not take effect until the conclusion of the comment period.

Comments on the proposed 2025 guideline revisions may be submitted to Dan Gerlach at dangerlachnc@gmail.com and Garrett Wyckoff at garrett.wyckoff@edpnc.com.

NC SELECTSITE GUIDELINES

Western North Carolina Selectsite RFP

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is soliciting proposals via the attached RFP for a new Western North Carolina site study. In May 2025, the General Assembly enacted S.L. 2025-4, legislation that amended the megasites and selectsites program to assist in evaluating and identifying up to five and not less than three sites located in a county declared a major disaster by the President of the United States, on September 28, 2024, under the Stafford Act (P.L. 93-288) as a result of Hurricane Helene.

The final sites that are ultimately identified through this new study will become part of our current Selectsite Readiness Program that was established in 2024. If you are interested in participating, please respond to this RFP and note key dates for questions, an informational teleconference, and response deadlines, etc.

For questions or additional information please contact Garrett Wyckoff at garrett.wyckoff@edpnc.com.

WNC Selectsite RFP

Megasite 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,

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

Megasite Readiness Program Guidelines for Due Diligence

These guidelines apply to the funds appropriated by the General Assembly to the Megasites Readiness Fund for use by the Economic Development Partnership of North...

Publication

Megasite Readiness Program Guidelines for Site Development

These Guidelines apply to the funds appropriated by the General Assembly to the Megasites Readiness Fund (“Fund”) for use by the Economic Development Partnership of...

Publication

Megasite Readiness Program Application

Application for the Megasite Readiess Program Fund

Selectsite Readiness Program

The Selectsite Readiness Program was established as a complement to the Megasite Readiness Program. The purposes of this program are the same as the Megasites Readiness Program except that the sites under the SRP are to be less than 1,000 acres yet still capable of handling major advanced manufacturing projects. The General Assembly indicated that up to 15 sites should be identified for preferred development and marketing, specifying that at least two sites must be under 100 acres and another seven sites must be under 500 acres.