2023 Annual Comprehensive Report

investment. The ranking is based on the number of projects with capital investments of at least $1 million, related floor-space expansion, and the number of new jobs created. This area experiences an excellent market location that has access to all major domestic and international markets from Interstate Highways 40, and 85 and the PTIA. Construction is underway for a new interstate system (I-73) that will span North Carolina, joining Detroit and Charleston, including Greensboro en route. In northern Greensboro, U.S. 29, between Danville and Greensboro, has also been designated as Interstate 785. Located at the center of North Carolina and the midpoint of the East Coast, Greensboro is strategically positioned at the hub of a dynamic region for major transportation, logistics, manufacturing and service industries. In addition, half of the U.S. population is within 650 miles (1,046 km.), another major advantage. With the significant presence of Federal Express and Honda Aircraft, the region continues to build on the strengths of its geographic location positioning the Triad as a global “aerotropolis” and logistics center on the U.S. East Coast. The Greensboro Urban Loop , a 49-mile State-constructed beltway around Greensboro, began construction in September 2013 and was completed in January 2023. This approximately $1 billion project was funded by the N.C. Legislature. The Urban Loop beltway is comprised of four major interstates; 73, 85, 785 and 840. This connectivity significantly contributes to the distribution and logistics hub in the region and will serve to support suppliers of existing and expanding businesses.

The NC Carolina Core , a 120-mile corridor that stretches along U.S. Highway 421 from Winston-Salem, through Greensboro and then southeast to Fayetteville, is home to four megasites totaling 7,200 acres of certified land. Megasites approximately 1,000 acres or more, are properties that can house a large manufacturing facility. Three of the four megasites along the Carolina Core are within 35 miles of downtown Greensboro, the Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Aerospace megasite, the Greensboro-Randolph megasite and the Chatham

VIII