Tarboro’s $1.29B Energy-Storage Plan and Rocky Mount Trail Upgrades Mark Eastern NC Surge

Expanding Outdoor Access Through the Great Trails State Program

North Carolina’s Great Trails State Program is setting the pace for outdoor recreation across the state. Created by the General Assembly in 2023 with $25 million in funding, the program provides matching grants for planning, construction, and access improvements to local trail systems.

Last month, Governor Josh Stein announced that nearly $11 million would be distributed to more than 70 projects statewide. The initiative is designed to expand recreation opportunities while boosting tourism and supporting local economies.

“Trails bring outstanding benefits to both urban and rural communities,” said Pamela B. Cashwell, Secretary of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “They boost tourism, strengthen local economies, and provide opportunities for healthier lifestyles.”

Statewide, 79 projects were selected from 89 applications, generating more than $69 million in combined investment when local matching funds are included.

• Western NC received more than $11 million for 37 projects.

• Central NC (Piedmont) saw nearly $10.9 million for 37 projects.

• Eastern NC, including Rocky Mount, received about $2.63 million for 10 projects.

  
  

For Rocky Mount, the funds will support upgrades to access points along the Tar River Paddle Trail, one of the city’s most popular outdoor amenities.

Rocky Mount’s Trails

Rocky Mount has steadily expanded its trail system, creating a mix of greenways, paddle routes, and natural-surface paths that appeal to residents and visitors alike.

• Rocky Mount Greenway: A 7.1-mile paved trail linking Sunset Park, Battle Park, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, and other destinations along the Tar River.

• Tar River Paddle Trail: More than 55 miles of canoeing and kayaking routes with 10 access points. The new funding will improve usability and safety along these waterways.

• Natural-Surface Trails: Loops like the Battle Park Trail, along with access to nearby Medoc Mountain State Park’s 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, round out the offerings.

The benefits are both recreational and economic. Outdoor recreation already contributes $14 billion annually to North Carolina’s economy and supports more than 130,000 jobs, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. Locally, trails help attract visitors who spend money at restaurants, breweries, and hotels, while also offering affordable recreation close to home.

Tarboro’s Transformative $1.29 Billion Project

While Rocky Mount invests in outdoor connectivity, neighboring Tarboro is preparing for a project that could redefine its economic profile. Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) has proposed a $1.29 billion data center and energy storage facility on a 52-acre site along McNair Road.

The project could bring 500–700 new jobs to the community while positioning Tarboro as a hub for sustainable technology. The facility is designed as a NetZero green energy site, featuring a “carbon sponge” system intended to capture CO₂ emissions.

The Tarboro Planning Board has already given its approval, and a public hearing was held August 18. The hearing was tabled due to resident concerns, but representatives from local government and economic development organizations remain upbeat that resident concerns and questions will be addressed in the coming days. 

Why this matters for Tarboro:

• Economic Impact: Hundreds of jobs and a massive capital investment.

• Sustainability: Advanced carbon capture and energy storage technologies.

  
  

Twin County Media will continue to monitor the outcome of the announced investment and will report as more information becomes available.