Press Releases
Harnett Economic Development Corporation Receives $547,885 in Golden LEAF Funding to Support Industrial Development
June 7, 2024 - The Harnett Economic Development Corporation, formerly known as the Harnett County Economic Development Partnership, has received a $547,885 award from the Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors through their SITE Program - Development.
For Harnett County, this award represents an exciting advancement toward developing market-ready sites to attract industry and investment. This SITE Program funding will support various site preparation activities, including clearing, grubbing, grading, and erosion control. Grant funding is also allowing for the completion of a title opinion and utility capacity analysis for a 25-acre site in Edgerton Industrial Park. Harnett County expects that attracting industry to this site will generate around 80 new full-time jobs and $10 million in private capital investment.
Edgerton Industrial Park II is situated south of Dunn, less than one and a half miles to I-95 at Exit 71, and within 10 minutes of the intersection of I-95 and I-40. Its proximity to Research Triangle Park, the Port of Wilmington, Fayetteville, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and major transportation corridors makes it an ideal location for industrial users. 
“We are thrilled to have been chosen to receive this critical funding to prepare Edgerton Industrial Park for the market," said Phyllis Godwin, Chair of the Harnett Economic Development Corporation Board. “Investing in such projects is crucial to ensuring Harnett County remains a top consideration for companies seeking to relocate or expand. Golden LEAF's support provides us with the resources necessary to take a significant stride forward in our product development efforts."
“This is a significant win for the Harnett Economic Development Corporation and for Harnett County,” said Harnett County Manager Brent Trout. “Our Economic Development Team’s primary focus is product development and by successfully securing this Golden LEAF funding for Edgerton, the Corporation will help pave the way for pursuing projects, ultimately leading to job creation and investment in our County.”
Read more about the Golden LEAF Foundation Board’s announcement of over $14 million in funding to rural areas in North Carolina here.
About the Golden LEAF Foundation
The mission of the Golden LEAF Foundation is to enhance economic opportunities in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities. This is achieved through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent, perpetual foundation. Established in 1999 by the North Carolina legislature, the nonprofit Golden LEAF Foundation administers a portion of the state’s share from the Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers. The Foundation’s funding addresses critical rural issues, including advancing agricultural practices, creating job opportunities, retaining essential businesses, and preparing the workforce. Additionally, the foundation provides scholarships for students to attend college, contributing to workforce readiness and community economic vitality.
About the Harnett Economic Development Corporation
The Harnett Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting the attraction and expansion of businesses creating living-wage jobs and investment.
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Edwards, Marketing Director for Harnett County Economic Development, at eedwards@harnett.org or (910) 893-7524.