House approves override, megasite funds to be reallocated

The N.C. House voted 72-46 Wednesday to override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of State Bill 382, paving the way for Burke County to reallocate $20 million from the Great Meadows industrial megasite to another project at Burke Business Park.

The controversial omnibus bill was initially ratified by the senate Nov. 19 and vetoed by Cooper later that day because it contains measures that weaken the power of the governor, particularly in elections.

Republicans possess a veto-proof majority until Jan. 1 and used it to push the bill through with Wednesday’s vote.

Burke County’s Board of Commissioners asked the General Assembly for permission to divert money from the 1,353-acre megasite project and use it to construct a shell building at Burke Business Park, which currently hosts only one tenant on its 83 acres.

The state allocated $35.8 million for the megasite in October 2023, with $22.5 million of that dedicated to purchasing the land from owners Great Meadows LLC. The remaining funds were earmarked for infrastructure at the site and aren’t part of the new legislation.

If the new building sells, the funds will go back to the megasite project. The county has three years to complete the process or risk losing the funding altogether.

Commissioners have touted the strategy as a way to improve economic development in the short- and mid-term, insisting the megasite is more of a long-term project. Burke Development Inc., the county’s industrial development arm, holds an option on the Great Meadows property until 2030.

More state money would be needed for the megasite deal to be completed.

Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-86) was part of the majority vote Wednesday. He said Burke County would profit from the commission’s plan in the long run.

“Rather than letting substantial funds sit idle while major questions remain unresolved with regard to the development of a possible megasite, the county will have the ability to complete and sell projects at the long-existing Burke Business Park,” Blackwell said. “If that goes well, hopefully it will enhance the county’s credibility in promoting economic development.”

Burke County Manager Brian Epley said there are no specific plans in place for the shell, or speculative, building. He said BDI and the county plan to conduct feasibility studies that would guide construction.

Unlike the proposed megasite, which might take years to complete, a shell building would likely be up in about a year, Epley said, adding that “speed to market” would be the project’s biggest strength. He’s optimistic it would be a quick turnaround.

“I think it's a measured level of exposure and low risk that the product wouldn’t move,” Epley said. “There's very little product in the region. North Carolina is the No. 1 business-friendly state in the nation. I think there's a lot of optimism in the manufacturing economy with the change in federal fiscal policy and the presidency.”

The megasite, located off Exit 94 on Interstate 40 (Dysartsville Road) has drawn its share of controversy over the last year. Residents who live close to the massive tract are concerned about property values and environmental impacts.

In response, the county partnered with the three most prominent local environmental groups, Foothills Conservancy, Catawba River Keeper, and Lake James Environmental Association. The group produced a long list of guidelines for the site, and the county used them to impose conditional zoning restrictions on the land.

Blackwell, who spoke at the initial megasite check presentation in 2023, said embarking on an alternative project for the short-term would allow more time for residents to voice their concerns.

“It will allow more time to deal with legitimate concerns of citizens regarding the nature and impact of potential use of a megasite should it ultimately come to pass,” Blackwell said.

Previously, county officials have touted the Great Meadows project as a generational economic opportunity for Burke County and a game-changer for industrial recruitment in the area.