Grant for Three Springs Access Road Sought in Brooke County
The Brooke County Commission on Friday approved a grant application for an access road to serve Pietro Fiorentini USA and other businesses at the Three Springs Business Park in Weirton, and learned of efforts to bring new businesses to the former Follansbee Steel site.
Pat Ford, executive director of the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, said the economic development agency will seek a $550,000 grant from the West Virginia Department of Transportation for the road, which is expected to cost about $950,000.
Ford said the remainder of the cost is expected to come from funds accumulated through tax increment financing.
Pietro Fiorentini plans to build a $9 million manufacturing facility on about 25 acres of a TIF district designated on former Weirton Steel property off Three Springs Drive. Tax increment financing is a tool that allows local governments to borrow money for development projects in a defined district, on the promise they will repay the debt with the proceeds from future gains in property tax revenue within that district.
Ford said the road also will benefit rue 21 and North American Industrial Services, two existing businesses at the park, by improving truck access there. Plans call for it to extend from Park Drive, forming a cul-de-sac by the businesses.
Ford said the BDC and Pietro Fiorentini also will apply for funds through the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to conduct any environmental cleanup required at the site.
Commissioner Jim Andreozzi said at times he’s lamented the loss of property tax from the TIF district, but noted developments such as the Pietro Fiorentini facility, which is expected to employ 120, and the growth of rue 21 and North American Industrial Services have been positive developments.
“That’s exactly how TIF districts are supposed to work,” he said.
Andreozzi, who sits on the BDC board, said Pietro Fiorentini delayed its decision to build in Weirton because of market conditions in the natural gas industry, not the location itself.
In other business, Ford said a company has expressed interest in about one-third of the former Follansbee Steel site the BDC acquired in October. He declined to provide further details, but said the 20-acre site is undergoing an environmental assessment using part of a $600,000 grant awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Ford said it appears most of the material of environmental concern there was removed when the steel mill was demolished, and it doesn’t appear much physical work will be needed.
He said the property’s close proximity to major highways, the Ohio River and planned ethane cracker plants in Monaca, Pa. and Dilles Bottom have drawn much interest.
“This has been a very attractive site in Brooke County, and a lot of eyes are on it,” Ford said.
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