Central South Carolina Megasite Receives CSX Select Site Designation

Rhea-AI Summary

CSX has announced that the Central South Carolina Megasite in Lugoff, SC, is now a CSX Select Site, enhancing its appeal for industrial investment. This designation indicates that the site is development-ready, having completed necessary due diligence for manufacturers, thus expediting facility construction. Located near an interstate and a railroad, the 1,426-acre site aims to attract significant projects, creating new jobs and investments. This marks the third site in SC recognized as a CSX Select Site, part of a broader initiative to support industrial growth along the CSX network.

Positive

• Central South Carolina Megasite designated as a CSX Select Site, enhancing its industrial investment potential.
• The site is readily available for development, reducing construction time for manufacturers.
• Location adjacent to a railroad and interstate increases attraction for prospective businesses.

Negative

• None.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CSX (NASDAQ: CSX) today announced that the Central South Carolina Megasite in Lugoff, South Carolina, has been designated a CSX Select Site.

Select Sites are development-ready properties along the CSX network where standard land use considerations and comprehensive due diligence items have been previously addressed. These properties are able to meet the needs of a wide variety of manufacturers, significantly reducing the time required to construct facilities and ultimately bring products to market.

“South Carolina has a strong track record of attracting industrial projects with significant investment,” said Tom Tisa, head of business development at CSX. “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.”

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.

“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 Jonathan Gemmen, senior director, Austin Consulting.

Access to the 1,426-acre site is located half mile north of Interstate 20, less than a 30-minute drive northeast from downtown Columbia.

“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,” said Nelson Lindsay, president and chief executive officer of the Central SC Alliance.

Kershaw County identified the megasite property over 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, 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."

The Central South Carolina Megasite is now the third site in South Carolina with the CSX Select Site designation. This property is one of 26 properties across CSX’s service territory to meet the rigorous site-selection criteria.

To learn more about CSX Select Sites, visit www.csxselectsites.com

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation’s economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation’s population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:
Bryan Tucker, Corporate Communications
855-955-6397

FAQ

What is the significance of the CSX Select Site designation for the Central South Carolina Megasite?

The CSX Select Site designation indicates the Central South Carolina Megasite is development-ready, which streamlines the process for potential manufacturers to build facilities.

How large is the Central South Carolina Megasite and where is it located?

The Central South Carolina Megasite covers 1,426 acres and is located in Lugoff, South Carolina, near Interstate 20.

When was the Central South Carolina Megasite designated as a CSX Select Site?

The designation was announced on January 5, 2023.

How many CSX Select Sites are there in South Carolina?

The Central South Carolina Megasite becomes the third site in South Carolina to receive the CSX Select Site designation.