Western Harnett Innovation Park advances with $656K Golden LEAF Grant

The Golden LEAF Foundation awarded Harnett County $656,000 in a community-based grant with the North Central Prosperity Zone to support job creation and economic investment.

The funding will support Phase 1 development activities of 40 acres at Western Harnett Innovation Park. Site readiness activities, including due diligence, design, and engineering, will occur on the full 40 acres. Site development activities, including clearing, grubbing, and grading, will occur on approximately 10 acres at the entrance of the park. This investment advances Harnett County’s strategy to create market-ready sites that attract new or expanding companies, bringing high-quality, well-paying jobs to the community.

“We are excited to have the funding necessary to kick-start site preparation activities that will yield employment opportunities in western Harnett County,” said Stephen Barrington, Harnett County’s Economic Development Director. “This project furthers the County’s efforts to proactively position our community to attract new or expanding employers who offer good quality jobs that pay above average wages.”

Western Harnett Innovation Park spans approximately 177 acres and is designed to accommodate light industrial, flex, and office development. Located on Olive Farm Road, the Park sits off Highway 87, a four-lane corridor connecting Fort Bragg and Sanford in neighboring Lee County. The site is 15 miles to U.S. 1 in Sanford and 28 miles to Interstate 95 in Fayetteville, providing strong regional access for business and industry.

“We are grateful to the Golden LEAF Foundation for choosing to invest in Harnett County,” said Harnett County Manager Brent Trout. “The Golden LEAF Foundation has been, and continues to be, a great partner to our community. Their funding of this project further demonstrates their commitment to help communities compete for new jobs.”

Western Harnett Innovation Park is also home to Central Carolina Community College’s (CCCC) West Harnett Training Center, which houses the Automotive Restoration Technology program, featuring an engine lab, upholstery lab, and wood fabrication shop.

Initial site work at Western Harnett Innovation Park is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027. Future development phases will be explored upon completion of Phase 1.

“Golden LEAF recognizes that rural communities must have sites available for development to attract new businesses and create opportunities for existing businesses to expand,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. “Golden LEAF is proud to support Harnett County’s strategy to advance the Western Harnett Innovation Park to enhance the county’s competitiveness and generate quality jobs for the region.”

Learn more about how the Golden LEAF Foundation is supporting rural communities across North Carolina at goldenleaf.org/news.

Located in the Research Triangle and Carolina Core Regions of North Carolina, Harnett County is home to over 147,000 residents, an increase of over 10% since 2020 and more than 27% since 2010.

To learn more about economic development in Harnett County, visit harnettedc.org.

Feb. 13, 2026

Provided.

Stephanie M. Sellers

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