Story Yard
Norfolk Southern invests $8.7 million in Alabama megasite


Norfolk Southern’s Industrial Development experts worked with economic developers in Etowah County, Alabama and at the Gadsden Etowah Industrial Development Authority, to prime a 1,100-acre, rail-served industrial site. The Northeast Alabama Regional (NEAR) Megasite is the largest tract of industrial property in North Alabama.

Owned by Etowah County, the NEAR Megasite is located along a Norfolk Southern mainline and interstate I-59. A high concentration of automotive factories in the region and proximity to aerospace facilities makes this site ideal for those industries, as well as metalworking and agricultural opportunities.

Transportation Access

Significant Benefits
  • Located along a Norfolk Southern mainline property
  • 2 miles of frontage on I-59
  • Connected to U.S. Highway 11
  • Located within 10 miles of a regional airport
  • Located within 50 miles of an international airport
  • 1,100 acres of county-owned industrial property
  • 100-acre pad development in place
  • Built out infrastructure for electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications
  • Talented regional labor force
  • Strong pipeline of local talent


“Norfolk Southern is deeply connected to the economic development process in each of the 22 states we serve,” said VP Real Estate and Development Kathleen Smith. “This is all about creating joint opportunities for shared growth and elevating our communities. We’re committed to supporting and furthering rail-served communities and participating in our customer’s near and long-term business goals.”

Norfolk Southern recognized that the site could be an asset to the community and our long-term growth goals. To jump-start its growth, we made an initial donation of $2.7 million for improvements to the megasite through the Growing Alabama Credit program. 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 donated an additional $3 million to extend the pad to 100 acres, and to construct a new connecting road to local thoroughfares.

Recently, the project was approved for a $3 million tax credit, and Norfolk Southern and economic development partners are now entering Phase 3. The Norfolk Southern donation 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 – like an interstate interchange.

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