Duke Energy selects six North Carolina locations for its 2017 Site Readiness Program

Duke Energy recently announced that it selected six North Carolina properties for the first half of its 2017 Site Readiness Program, which seeks to prepare the sites for business and industrial development.

Through the program, Duke Energy selects promising industrial sites and partners with local government officials and economic development professionals to develop a plan for providing water, sewer, natural gas and electricity to the sites. Duke will then market them nationwide to companies seeking to expand or
move their operations.

“This program shines a light on high-quality industrial sites across the state, and enables communities, especially in rural areas, to attract jobs and build thriving economies,” John Geib, North Carolina economic development director for Duke Energy, said. “We’re committed to continuing these efforts that help build stronger communities and ultimately, a stronger North Carolina.”

The sites include the The Newlin Farm Site in Haw River in Alamance County, The Chatham-Siler City Advanced Manufacturing Site in Chatham County, a site in the Craven County Industrial Park, the 401 North Site located near the Highway 401 and Interstate 295 interchange in Cumberland County, the Watson Farm site in Franklin County, and the Roberts and Wellons site on the NCRR/Norfolk Southern main rail line in Johnston County.

Each site will be eligible to apply for a $10,000 matching grant from Duke Energy to help prepare it to attract projects.

“We understand the important role our company plays in the economic development landscape, and we work diligently to keep our rates competitive,” Geib said. “North Carolina can better compete for business investment, growth and jobs with reliable electricity and affordable energy prices.”