2005 Performance Based Budget - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

dust and rubble, to become the future home of light industrial, warehouse and distribution facilities. The final 19 acres were cleared this fall as the final structure was demolished. Of the remaining parcels in the park, only two are still available. The success of the Oliver Industrial Park is just the beginning of our Brownfield efforts. This project is the first phase of a 10-15 year program to completely revitalize the Studebaker Corridor. We now own the farmer stamping plant. Several other buildings in the old complex are on our acquisition list. The EPA Emergency Response Team came into remediate environmental hazards at stamping plant, saving us $4-500,000. We are now developing bid specs for demolition. We continue to seek federal and state funds to help pay for this major undertaking. We have received several grants through the efforts of our Congressmen. Our CRED District has generated over $600,000 for reinvestment in the area. That revenue stream will increase as we clear more land and new development fills in. Ta envision what this area can become, we need only look to the west at the new AJ Wright facility, which opened on February 2. It aheady employs over 300 people and will eventually employ 6-800. With planning and perseverance, we will return over 120 acres of abandoned industrial land to productive use, creating new private investment, new jobs, and additional tax base for our city. ~- Cities prep the ground for investment by the private sector. We do this with tax abatements and Tax Increment Financing. We build traditional infrastructure like new roads, water and sewer lines. We clear Brownfield sites. But, if our community is to be successful helping local companies grow and attracting vibrant new jobs, we need to be creative about providing new types of infrastructure. I believe that development of the MetraNet will be important to securing our economic future. Throughout our history, transportation systems have been essential to our growth. First it was the river that Brought explorers and traders here. It also provided power for developing industry. Then railroads became our central link to other cities and economic regions. Currently our location on the interstate highway system is a key to attracting just-in-time manufacturers and distribution centers. Our airport is a vital link for business. As we look to the future, the transportation of ideas will be just as critical to our economic health. Affordable access to A-39