Phase 1 construction of the 252-acre park anticipated in 2007
 Financing news for the proposed park, located just north of exit 17 on I-84 in Sterling Township, continues to be favorable. In December 2005, the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) approved a $1,040,000 investment in Sterling Business Park. Earlier in 2005, WEDCO received $150,0000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). Both awards will be used towards Phase 1 construction of the park.
The 2005 awards bring the total state and federal investment to $5.83 million. Previously, the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved $4,550,000 from the BIOS program for development of the park in the form of a $1,388,000 grant and $3,162,000 low-interest loan. And initial feasibility studies were financed by a $90,000 investment from the EDA and ARC.
Permits
In 2005, WEDCO obtained both land use and preliminary subdivision approvals for Sterling Business Park. The park has been designed for 23 lots ranging in size from 3 to 30 acres. Eighteen of the lots have been approved for flex use – manufacturing, warehousing and professional office. The remaining five lots are for professional office use only. We are now in the process of pursuing permits that are needed before construction can begin. These include a Highway Occupancy/road construction permit, NPDES and sewer discharge permit. Of these, the DEP sewer permit requires the longest lead-time. If all goes as planned, road and utility construction will begin early 2007.
Infrastructure
Work is continuing on our wastewater treatment permits. PA DEP required additional information about the non-degrading technology that will be used at the park. Our engineer has received this data, and on Nov. 9, 2005 our application was resubmitted to PA DEP.
Test wells were drilled with successful results: at 205' we had a flow of over 100 gallons per minute.
Building Removal
Vacant structures on the business park property provided a perfect training ground for local firefighters. This activity required both a PA DEP permit and certified instructor. Fire training took place in October 2005, and building remnants and other structures on the property will be removed in November 2005. |
