Funding will support rail and site-readiness improvements at MAIRP Megasite
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
BOLIVIA, NC — Brunswick County received a $6.275 million state investment to help prepare the MAIRP Megasite for future industries, jobs and economic growth.
The funding, awarded to Brunswick Business & Industry Development (BID) through the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina’s Megasite Readiness and Selectsite Readiness programs, will support infrastructure and site-preparation projects at the 1,100-acre Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park in northern Brunswick County. No local matching funds are required.
County leaders say the investment strengthens ongoing efforts to attract major employers and diversify the local economy.
“The MAIRP Megasite is an important piece in our long-term strategy to bring viable industries with good-paying jobs to Brunswick County,” Brunswick County Board of Commissioners Chairman Mike Forte said. “We appreciate the work our partners put in to receive this grant, and we are especially happy that it does not require a match of taxpayer dollars.”
Grant-funded improvements include site clearing, rail bed construction and wetland mitigation efforts. Part of the funding will prepare land for future rail infrastructure that will connect industrial parcels to the adjacent CSX main line.
Brunswick BID Executive Director Bill Early said the enhancements will improve the site’s competitiveness for future economic development projects.
Located approximately 12 miles from Wilmington International Airport and 18 miles from the Port of Wilmington, the megasite is marketed as one of the region’s premier industrial development properties because of its transportation access, available acreage and rail connectivity.
Additional infrastructure work is already underway, including construction of an industrial access road. Water system improvements, including a new water line extension and water storage tank, are also planned. Electric, natural gas, water and wastewater services are available or can be extended as development occurs.
The state announced the grant award Sept. 28, and Brunswick County commissioners authorized Brunswick BID to move forward with the projects during their October 5 meeting.
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