Raleigh, N.C. - Governor Pat McCrory announced today that CSX plans to build a major shipping hub in Johnston County, continuing his vision of bolstering economic development in eastern North Carolina. Over time, the project could bring 1,500 statewide jobs to North Carolina and provide an estimated $329 million in public benefits to the state.

"Enhancing freight movement through eastern North Carolina and the State Ports is a key part of my 25 Year Transportation Vision,” said Governor McCrory. “I am enthusiastic that CSX, with support from local governments and planning organizations, has proposed this project for North Carolina.”

The project, called the Carolina Connector, or CCX, was submitted for funding through the state’s Strategic Transportation Investments (STI) law, which helps fund new infrastructure. It will create a transfer hub and shipping facility that would offer a number of transportation and economic benefits to the region.

“The CCX will maximize both public and private investments for economic development and job creation, precisely what was envisioned when I worked with the General Assembly to develop the STI law and scoring process,” said Governor McCrory. 

N.C. Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson said the project will have a major impact on the state’s ports and rail systems. CCX will link the North Carolina State Port at Wilmington with businesses from the Piedmont to the coast, transporting shipping containers over the nationwide rail network.

“The CCX project will provide vibrant economic benefits to North Carolina, as well as directly support our state’s transportation network,” said Secretary Tennyson. “The project will strongly compete in the STI.”

CSX is committed to investing $150 million – the majority of funds needed to complete the project. CSX and the Upper Coastal Plain Regional Planning Organization submitted the project for $100 million in STI funding from NCDOT. STI uses the Strategic Mobility Formula, a data-driven system for allocating available revenues that allows NCDOT to more efficiently invest its transportation dollars. 

When built, the CCX will serve Eastern and Central North Carolina, connecting the regions to markets across the country. The facility will incorporate trucking, rail and shipping industries to help move goods more efficiently.