Norfolk Southern Railway’s industrial development program recently worked with economic developers in Etowah County and at the Gadsden Etowah Industrial Development Authority to develop a 1,100-acre, rail-served industrial site.

The Northeast Alabama Regional Megasite is the largest tract of industrial property in North Alabama, Norfolk Southern officials said.

Owned by Etowah County, the megasite is along a Norfolk Southern mainline and Interstate 59. A high concentration of automotive factories in the region and proximity to aerospace facilities makes the site ideal for those industries, as well as metalworking and agricultural opportunities, the company said.

“This is all about creating joint opportunities for shared growth and elevating our communities,” said Norfolk Southern Vice President of Real Estate and Development Kathleen Smith. “We’re committed to supporting and furthering rail-served communities and participating in our customer’s near and long-term business goals.”

RELATED: Alabama solving manufacturing’s real estate problem

Initial investments included construction of a 70-acre, rail-served, pad-ready site, as well as a railroad crossing and relocation of natural gas lines to the perimeter of the property. During Phase 2, Norfolk Southern said it contributed an additional $3 million to extend the pad to 100 acres and to construct a connecting road to local thoroughfares.

The project was approved for a $3 million tax credit, and railway and economic development partners are now entering Phase 3.

The Norfolk Southern funding will be used to construct an elevated, 500,000-gallon water tank that connects the site to water and sewer service. The investment also paves the way for additional property enhancements such as an interstate interchange.

The latest funds push the railway’s total commitment to the NEAR Megasite through Growing Alabama to $8.7 million over the past three years.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270