Economic Insider — November 20, 2009

Director's Focus
Final Phase of Predevelopment at Keystone Regional Industrial Park

Serious work is finally beginning on our long-planned efforts to bring “public” water to the Keystone Regional Industrial Park in Greenwood Township. As the final major infrastructural component to be constructed at the Park, this system will initially provide up to 1.5 million gallons of industrial process water per day to current businesses, and service the process and fire protection needs of future occupants. Ultimately, the availability of massive amounts of process water will serve to distinguish the Keystone Regional Industrial Park from most others in the tri-state region.

In the planning and funding phase for an extended period, commencement of this project has been delayed primarily as a result of challenges associated with environmental regulations ranging from the need to alter plans to avoid nesting eagles, to a requirement to investigate possible rattle snake habitat. All-in-all, these factors have resulted in added costs of close to one million dollars and in extending the time necessary to plan, finance, permit and construct the system.

However, with most obstacles now behind us, reconstruction of the primary well to serve the Park will begin next week with pipeline work commencing in the spring. While a number of construction contracts will be let during the winter months, it is anticipated that by the end of 2010, the system will be operational.

As we anticipate the completion of all services necessary to accommodate the location of new businesses we hope to finally begin the transition from predevelopment to actual business development at the Park.

Until next time…

Mark Turner

Local KIZ Company to Receive Alternative and Clean Energy Loan

Governor Edward G. Rendell’s office announced on November 12, 2009, that the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved more than $23 million for 36 new solar and other alternative and clean energy projects in Pennsylvania. According to Governor Rendell, these projects, which include one in Crawford County, will help maintain Pennsylvania’s status as a national leader in the effort to create a green economy.

Ernst Biomass, LLC, a Crawford County KIZ company, will receive a $902,707 alternative and clean energy loan to build a biomass processing and densification facility in Union Township. Ernst Biomass, LLC, processes dedicated energy crops, crop residue, and wood and waste biomass into fuel for utilization in a combined heat and power facility.

Working Toward Energy Independence

Pennsylvania’s Departments of Economic and Community Development and Environmental Protection are hosting a joint presentation on the $650 million Alternative Energy Fund, which will demonstrate how to apply for both commercial and residential financing. The presentation, entitled Energy Roadshow, will be held at the Erie Technology Incubator, 130 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16501, on Tuesday, November 24th, from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM. This presentation is open to the public.

The Energy Roadshow is associated with the Pennsylvania initiative to become more energy independent, protect consumers, grow the economy and strengthen national security. The $650 Alternative Energy Investment Fund and the approximately $16 million Alternative Fuels Investment Fund include $237.5 million specifically intended to help consumers conserve electricity and manage higher energy costs. The other $428.4 million is earmarked to spur the development of alternative energy resources and create good-paying, skilled jobs for Pennsylvanians. This effort comes at a time when consumers are struggling to manage energy costs and to become more independent from foreign oil.

Corporate Volunteering Helps More than the Community

Encouraging volunteerism is a cost effective way for companies to give back to their local communities while improving morale and visibility. Studies have shown that corporations that volunteer within their communities reap many benefits such as enhanced corporate reputation, increased employee productivity and loyalty, among many others. This is the time of year that many people and corporations think about giving back to the community, and volunteerism is a good way to do this, especially in economic times when it is more difficult than ever for companies to find the money for cash donations.

Ribbon Cutting

The official “Broadway Opening” is being held on Monday, November 23rd at 4:00 p.m. at the newly constructed Broadway Entrance of the Crawford Business Park. Please join us for the ceremony and to take a look at the newest improvements that have been made to the Crawford Business Park.