North Carolina Railroad Co. (NCRR) confirmed an NCRR rail spur investment of up to $600,000, as reported by Progressive Railroading. The funding would support construction of a rail spur serving US Forged Rings Inc.’s (USFR) planned steel fabrication plant in Hertford County.

NCRR rail spur investment for USFR plant in Hertford County
NCRR rail spur investment for USFR plant in Hertford County

NCRR Invests program and the rail spur construction scope

NCRR said the spur is funded through the NCRR Invests program, which uses the railroad’s private revenue to finance rail projects intended to attract new employers and expand existing industries in North Carolina, as noted in an NCRR announcement. Also, the rail spur construction work will include placement of ballast, ties and rail turnouts. In addition, it covers any engineering, drainage and signal work needed to serve the site.

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US Forged Rings project details in Hertford County

US Forged Rings said the facility is planned in three phases, with total investment projected at $875 million. That figure does not include contributions referenced from NCRR, CSX, North Carolina and Hertford County government and economic development commissions. Separately, the plant is expected to be located adjacent to a Nucor steel processing facility in the same county, according to a press release from the office of North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein.

In a separate press release, NCRR officials said USFR will fabricate steep piping and specialized components for the U.S. energy industry at the site. Meanwhile, once operational, the USFR plant will receive and ship at least 1,825 rail cars on the spur each year. An opening date was not included in either press release.

Freight rail role and expected annual rail cars

The project is positioned as a freight rail-enabled industrial development tied to rail service for the new site. Still, “We’re building opportunity in Hertford County; we’re strengthening North Carolina’s manufacturing footprint, and we’re making sure this state is ready for long-term growth driven by freight rail,” said NCRR President and CEO Carl Warren.

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