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For Immediate Release
July 26, 1999

White Announces Grant to Develop Barkeyville Industrial Park

Harrisburg – An industrial park and new jobs for Venango County residents have moved a step closer to reality with the approval of a grant to help develop a site in Barkeyville Borough, state Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) announced today.

White, who was instrumental in securing the $667,000 state grant, said the funds will help the Venango Economic Development Corp. purchase and develop a 126-acre Keystone Opportunity Zone site on Stevenson Road, at Exit 3 of Interstate 80.

The project will include an upgrade of Stevenson Road and the extension of water and sewer service to the site. It would also include the development of on-site infrastructure, including roads, water, sewer and storm water facilities, the senator added.

With new businesses locating in the park, White said, unemployed, underemployed and dislocated workers will have an opportunity to find employment.

"We know if we build it they will come, but we have been disadvantaged by the lack of

water and sewage infrastructure along much of Interstate 80 in southern Venango County. Few businesses want to have to make that kind of significant investment before they even begin to build their facility," said White.

The senator noted that because of its hilly terrain, Venango County has little land that is suitable for an industrial park. She added that the Barkeyville site has been identified as a potential industrial park site for about 20 years.

"Years ago when we were forming VEDC, we recognized lack of industrial park sites as one of our key obstacles to overcome. This is a much-needed shot in the arm to the efforts of our economic development organization," said White.

The target date to begin work is September 1999, with completion expected within two years.

The grant was awarded by the state Department of Community and Economic Development, through the Infrastructure Development Program.