CSX (NASDAQ: CSX) today announced that the Central South Carolina Megasite in Lugoff, South Carolina, has been designated a CSX Select Site.

Select Sites are development-ready properties along the CSX network where standard land use considerations and comprehensive due diligence items have been previously addressed. These properties are able to meet the needs of a wide variety of manufacturers, significantly reducing the time required to construct facilities and ultimately bring products to market.

“South Carolina has a strong track record of attracting industrial projects with significant investment,” said Tom Tisa, head of business development at CSX. “The Central South Carolina Megasite is an outstanding location for another high-impact investment that capitalizes on the environmental advantages of rail and CSX’s commitment to helping customers lower their carbon footprint.”

CSX introduced the Select Site program in 2012 to better serve new and existing customers on its network and those of its short line partners. CSX works with Austin Consulting, a nationally known site-selection consulting firm, to screen candidate sites and assist communities with the application and certification process.

“It’s rare to find a property this large that is adjacent to both a railroad mainline and an interstate highway at an existing interchange, with all utilities on site,” said Jonathan Gemmen, senior director, Austin Consulting.

Access to the 1,426-acre site is located half mile north of Interstate 20, less than a 30-minute drive northeast from downtown Columbia.

“As Columbia and the Central SC Region continue to grow at a pace faster than the nation, this site receives more and more interest from prospects,” said Nelson Lindsay, president and chief executive officer of the Central SC Alliance.

Kershaw County identified the megasite property over 15 years ago as an opportunity to attract a large industrial user that could generate new jobs and investment with the potential to transform communities. Subsequently, Kershaw County performed all the necessary due diligence studies, such as environmental, archaeological, endangered species, wetland delineation and multiple geotechnical studies. Large portions of the megasite have been cleared and a 500,000-gallon water tank is under construction on the north end of the site.

“Kershaw County has the finest and most-ready megasite in the state", said Julian Burns, chairman of Kershaw County Council. "Taking part in the CSX Select Site program demonstrates Kershaw's commitment to economic development."

The Central South Carolina Megasite is now the third site in South Carolina with the CSX Select Site designation. This property is one of 26 properties across CSX’s service territory to meet the rigorous site- selection criteria.