Steven Barrington delivered the quarterly economic development update, highlighting five market-ready sites the county is advancing to attract investment. He said the Edgerton Industrial Park clearing and grading is largely complete and that the Harnett Economic Development Corporation is funding site 2 engineering work. Colliers Engineering was awarded environmental and access evaluation work on a separate site, and Fort Bragg officials granted access that may provide a second access route for one parcel.

Barrington described the Robin Hood site near I-95 (roughly 160–178 acres, per his remarks), noting its flat, open character and the need for infrastructure improvements and due diligence to ready the site. He said Duke Energy funded the site assessment and that the office is pursuing several grants — including an EPA Brownfield Assessment grant and a $100,000 Duke Energy grant — to support due diligence and remediation where needed.

Barrington said manufacturing and regional assets, including proximity to the Research Triangle, are drawing company interest; he said the office feels optimistic for at least one success before the end of the fiscal year based on current activity. Commissioners offered brief praise and asked clarifying questions about site readiness.