Wooten Earns Statewide Recognition, Selected as EEA Honors Award Winner

The Kingsboro Megasite, best-known for attracting titans of industry like Triangle Tyre of China and Corning of New York to do business in Eastern North Carolina, has received statewide recognition for its positive impact for job creation and superior transportation infrastructure.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of North Carolina (ACEC/NC) made the announcement at its annual Excellence in Engineering Awards program. The event was held Thursday evening at Jimmy V's Osteria + Bar in Downtown Raleigh.

The Wooten Company, an engineering firm based in Raleigh, earned an Honors Award for its collaborative work on the utility expansion project with Edgecombe County and the Carolina Gateways Partnership. The site directly benefits Edgecombe and five surrounding counties, with a combined population of half a million people.

Eastern North Carolina is the most economically distressed region of the state, making the Kingsboro Megasite critical to broader growth. Triangle Tyre operations alone were forecast to generate $2.4 billion for the state’s economy and create up to 1,200 jobs.

“This project has added tremendous value to Edgecombe County’s Megasite allowing our county and our region to attract additional industries and boost our area economy,” said Eric Evans, Edgecombe County Manager. “With this improvement in our economy the public health, safety and welfare of our community has been positively impacted for generations to come.”

Engineers planning the site were also considerate of the environment. Strict adherence to regulatory standards safeguards the nearby Tar River, classified by the Department of Environmental Quality as a protected water supply for Tarboro’s water customers.

“Safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater collection are essential for both economic growth and thriving, sustainable communities,” said Gary Hartong, President of The Wooten Company. “We are determined to continue building on the partnerships fostering a better future for the region.”

The 1,500-acre site abutting Highway 64 is nearly equidistant from Rocky Mount and Tarboro. Designated as a CSX Select Site just 15 minutes from I-95, Kingsboro was recognized as an intermodal hub connected to port access in Morehead City, Wilmington and Norfolk, VA. The support of Industrial Development Funds and Golden Leaf grants enabled the megasite expansion.

The Wooten Company is a multi-disciplinary firm providing engineering, geomatics and architectural services to public entities, educational institutions, and private industry across the Carolinas. Since its founding in 1936 in North Carolina’s capital, Wooten has expanded to establish offices in Greenville, Hickory, and Winston-Salem as well Columbia, South Carolina. The company is dedicated to advancing infrastructure that supports healthy, sustainable, economically thriving communities.