The project proponent is a growing aircraft part supplier that operates internationally. Their North Carolina operations experienced unprecedented growth in the timeframe between 2023 and 2025, forcing them to seek open land for construction of their new facilities.  

Selection criteria included: proximity to airports, connectivity to interstates, existing presence of utilities, cooperative zoning and land use policies, space for large aircraft staging and dismantling, hospitable neighboring land uses, and minimal environmental, topographic, hydrologic and water resource concerns.    

Rice approached the site selection process in three stages.  The first stage involved a broad scale review of several potential sites in Wake and Lee Counties, using aerial photos, topographic maps, Geographic Information Systems, local agency policy analysis, real property comparisons, and tax mapping.  The second stage involved onsite reconnaissance of candidate sites and screening them using the selection criteria, then preparing a short list sites meeting selection criteria. The third stage involved advocating the client through meetings with potential sellers.