Commissioners approve easements for Duke Energy at Park East Industrial Park to preserve utility access for railroad spur project

Wayne County commissioners approved the conveyance of two easements to Duke Energy across Lots 6 and 7 of Park East Industrial Park on Aug. 5, to preserve utility access tied to a planned North Carolina Railroad spur serving an Alianza project.

County staff said the railroad spur’s final design is complete and bids for spur construction have come back. Duke Energy requested two easements—one on the west side crossing Lot 6 and one on the east side to allow access from Thoroughfare Road—so crews can reach power lines and the substation area. The proposed west easement runs close to existing gas and drainage lines; staff requested Duke locate the easement to minimize impacts to Lot 6’s developable area. The east easement may shift slightly while encroachment agreements with other providers are finalized.

Staff recommended approval subject to final review by the county manager and county attorney so survey lines can be adjusted if needed. Commissioners asked whether the easements would affect marketability of Lot 6; staff said the west easement is adjacent to existing gas and drainage easements and should not materially harm Lot 6’s marketability. Commissioners also confirmed the county retains ownership and the right to cross the easement, subject to access for Duke’s maintenance vehicles.

The board voted to authorize conveyance, with the manager and county attorney to finalize the exact easement locations and sign the final instruments once survey adjustments are complete.