Infrastructure money in place for Greene County high-tech park
WAYNESBURG – The $1.2 million needed for infrastructure development at the proposed EverGreene Technology Park is in place, according to Greene County Industrial Development Authority (GCIDA) officials. Representatives from Delta Development Group Inc., which is working with the GCIDA on the EverGreene project, updated the authority board on several activities to develop the park.
Mark Compton, principal for national accounts at Delta, noted that the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is expected to approve a grant for at least $100,000 by the end of this week. He said that grant, which could increase to as much as $125,000, will cover “soft” costs such as engineering and consulting fees.
Compton also noted that a pre-approved $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, originally earmarked for “redundant electricity,” instead has been approved to pay for an access road into the park.
In late October, a $700,0000 DCED grant was released to pay for water and sewage lines at the park.
Kevin Doody, engineer for the EverGreene project, said he expected to break ground about April 1, depending on the weather. The completion date, he said, would be around Aug. 30.
But Chuck Rembold, GCIDA president, said he would like to have a groundbreaking by early February, if possible.
“It’s important that this community knows that we’re moving forward,” he said.
Doody replied that water line work could begin in February.
The board agreed to open bids at the end of January.
LeRoy Kline, president of Delta Development, reported that R.J. Lee Company, one of the firms that has expressed interest in locating at EverGreene, has indicated that they are more interested in locating to North Dakota.
Kline said Lee has asked for a guaranteed $3 million in operating capital and another $2.5 million in acquisition funds. The problem, Kline said, is that “federal and state agencies won’t pay for a private company.”
R.J. Lee manufactures materials made from tire chips and also has divisions that conduct medical research.
Kline suggested that the GCIDA work with the Pittsburgh Technology Council “to bring some companies and start a dialogue” regarding EverGreene.
The GCIDA also is working to establish a $40 million venture capital fund to attract businesses to the park.
Additionally, the county planning and development department hopes to obtain state and federal funds to expand the county airport runway, from its current 3,500 feet to 5,000, in order to accommodate corporate jets.
Ann Bargerstock, county planner, said $100,000 of county money has been allocated to improve the airport as part of the 12-year plan.
The 248-acre EverGreene park is located on Progress Drive in Franklin Township.
Two years ago, the county allocated $450,000 for a fiber optic cable, which is now in place at the site.
The park has been touted as the future center of high-tech computer operations, such as biomedical and research.
To date, only one tenant, Westmoreland County Community College, has signed a lease to locate there.