Our take: Located off of East-West interstate I-40, near North-South interstate I-77 between Charlotte and Asheville, with direct access to Norfolk-Southern rail, this site is attractive to logistics and industrial. Occupation of this site would increase demand for housing and bread-and-butter retail in the nearby towns of Marion, Morganton, and Hickory.

The Great Meadows Megasite is a significant industrial development located in western North Carolina, spanning approximately 1,350 acres across Burke and McDowell counties. Strategically positioned near Interstate 40 and serviced by Norfolk Southern rail, the site is designed to attract large-scale manufacturing and industrial investments, aiming to boost economic growth in the region.

Development History:

• 2008: Duke Energy evaluated the site for potential development as a megasite, recognizing its strategic location and infrastructure advantages. SEDC
• 2019: Burke Development, Inc. (BDI) and local government officials began concerted efforts to develop the site, focusing on infrastructure improvements and site readiness to attract potential investors.
• 2023: The North Carolina General Assembly allocated $35.8 million to support the development of the Great Meadows Megasite, with $12.3 million designated for infrastructure development and expansion, and $25.5 million for site development and procurement. SEDC

Impact on Surrounding Areas:

The development of the Great Meadows Megasite is poised to significantly impact several cities and counties in the region:

• Burke County: As a host county, Burke is expected to experience substantial job creation, population growth, and increased economic activity.
• McDowell County: Sharing the megasite, McDowell County anticipates economic benefits, including job opportunities and business expansion.
• Nearby Cities: Towns such as Morganton and Marion may also see economic benefits due to their proximity to the megasite.

Community Engagement and Environmental Considerations:

The development of the Great Meadows Megasite has involved active community engagement and environmental considerations:

• Community Concerns: Some residents have expressed concerns about potential environmental impacts, including effects on water systems and local ecosystems. In response, developers have emphasized plans to implement buffer systems and preserve significant portions of wetlands to mitigate environmental risks. WCNC
• Conservation Efforts: Organizations such as the Lake James Environmental Association, Catawba Riverkeeper, and Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina have proposed conservation site plans to guide the development in an environmentally responsible manner. LJEA

Company Announcements and Agreements:

As of November 2024, there have been no public announcements of specific companies committing to establishing operations at the Great Meadows Megasite. However, the site’s strategic location, infrastructure readiness, and substantial state investment position it as an attractive option for future industrial projects.

Recent Developments:

• Rezoning Approval (September 2024): The Burke County Planning Board approved the rezoning of nearly 1,400 acres of land for the industrial campus, despite residents’ concerns about environmental and quality of life impacts. WCNC
• Golden LEAF Foundation Grant (December 2023): Burke Development, Inc. received a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation to support the development of the Great Meadows Megasite, further enhancing its attractiveness to potential investors. Constant Contact

The strategic development of the Great Meadows Megasite underscores North Carolina’s commitment to fostering economic growth through industrial expansion. The site’s readiness and the significant investments by state and local entities are set to transform the economic landscape of Burke and McDowell counties and their neighboring regions.