CLEARFIELD – The board of directors for the Clearfield County Economic Development Corp. (CCEDC), a private non-profit entity, held their regular monthly meeting on May 16. The board discussed several major area projects that are in progress, according to a press release from Chief Executive Officer Rob Swales.
He said a long-awaited public sewer line expansion project in Bradford Township is under construction. He said the CCEDC has been working in partnership with the Woodland Bigler Area Authority to extend its public sewer line from the top of route 970 in the area of the Wal-Mart Distribution Center to the Exit 123 interchange of Interstate 80.
This project, according to Swales, will provide public sewer availability to several area businesses along the line. Konzel Construction of Erie was the low bidder for the project. He said the project is funded by a $750,000 Infrastructure Development Grant through the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Swales said in Curwensville, the CCEDC has been working with Curwensville Borough and the Curwensville Development Corp. to rehabilitate the former H.L. Tannery (Howe’s Leather) property located along Cooper Road. He said the 26-acre Brownfield site has the potential to open up additional industrial land for development and continue with the growth of the Curwensville Industrial Park.
He said the CCEDC is in the final stages of assembling an environmental work plan and public bid document for solicitation of the environmental cleanup this summer.
Swales said the CCEDC is also in the early stages of partnering with the Curwensville Development Corp. to create and administer a revolving loan fund program for Curwensville merchants. He said the program will provide low interest loans for commercial, retail and industrial businesses for machinery and equipment and building acquisition, expansion or renovations in the Curwensville area.
Swales said as economic conditions continue to improve in the area, the staff shared with the board their current discussions with the local higher education systems. He said both Penn State University – DuBois campus and Lock Haven University – Clearfield campus are studying the needs of the local workforce and requesting the assistance of the CCEDC.
“Working with these entities will aid in workforce training efforts and lead to an overall more attractive workforce when recruiting from outside of the area,” he said. “Furthermore, it will give those interested a chance to work on advanced degrees and certifications to improve their employability.”
The Clearfield County Economic Development Corp. is a private, non-profit membership organization serving the business and industry of Clearfield County to promote job creation, job retention and to diversify and enhance the economic base of Clearfield County.
