With a prospective client waiting in the wings, Lenoir County will fast track its loan application to build another shell building off U.S. 70.

The site has not been finalized. Two parcels on the north side of U.S. 70 are being considered: One would be next to Smithfield Foods; the second would be adjacent to Dopaco. Both sites contain roughly 10 acres, which would allow the company buying the building to expand, Lenoir County Development Director Mark Pope said. The size of the site was recommended by the state Commerce Department.

The county owns the land near Dopaco. Pope said the county has an option to buy the site near Smithfield Foods.

Lenoir County will borrow $1.2 million to construct the building. The loan will come from the N.C. Eastern Region, a 13-county consortium for economic development. The Region, headquartered in Kinston, annually receives money from the state Legislature and gives member counties low interest loans and grants to aid development.

Kinston, Lenoir County and the Committee of 100 are collaborating on the building, which will have 30,000 to 35,000 square feet, expandable up to 90,000 square feet. The city will be responsible for the installation of utilities, estimated to cost about $180,000, and would annex the land, if it is not already within the city limits.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring.

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