Central South Carolina Megasite Receives ‘CSX Select Site’ Designation
CSX introduced the Select Site program in 2012 to “better serve new and existing customers on its network and those of its short line partners.” CSX works with Austin Consulting, a nationally known site-selection consulting firm, to screen candidate sites and assist communities with the application and certification process. These properties, CSX says, can meet the needs of a wide variety of manufacturers, “significantly reducing the time required to construct facilities and ultimately bring products to the market.”
“South Carolina has a strong track record of attracting industrial projects with significant investment,” said CSX Head of Business Development Tom Tisa. “The Central South Carolina Megasite is an outstanding location for another high-impact investment that capitalizes on the environmental advantages of rail and CSX’s commitment to helping customers lower their carbon footprint.”
Access to the 1,426-acre site, which is now the third site in South Carolina with the CSX Select Site designation, is located a half mile north of Interstate 20, less than a 30-minute drive northeast from downtown Columbia.
“It’s rare to find a property this large that is adjacent to both a railroad mainline and an interstate highway at an existing interchange, with all utilities on site,” said Austin Consulting Senior Director Jonathan Gemmen.
“As Columbia and the Central SC Region continue to grow at a pace faster than the nation, this site receives more and more interest from prospects,” added Central SC Alliance President and CEO Nelson Lindsay.
According to CSX, Kershaw County identified the megasite property more than 15 years ago as “an opportunity to attract a large industrial user that could generate new jobs and investment with the potential to transform communities.” Subsequently, CSX says, Kershaw County performed all the necessary due diligence studies, such as environmental, archaeological, endangered species, wetland delineation and multiple geotechnical studies. Large portions of the megasite have been cleared and a 500,000-gallon water tank is under construction on the north end of the site.
“Kershaw County has the finest and most-ready megasite in the state,” said Julian Burns, Chairman of Kershaw County Council. “Taking part in the CSX Select Site program demonstrates Kershaw’s commitment to economic development.”
This property is one of 26 properties across CSX’s service territory to meet the rigorous site-selection criteria.
