MAHANOY TOWNSHIP – Local officials announced a $4 million loan through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure and Investment Authority (PENNVEST) that will assist the Mahanoy Business Park Waterline Extension Project.
Specifically, the project will include the installation of 20,000 linear feet of 8-inch and 12-inch waterline and a new 500,000 gallon water storage tank to service the business park. Schuylkill County Municipal Authority (SCMA) applied for the funding through PENNVEST. SCMA agreed to extend their system to serve the Village of Vulcan located near the business park.
“The state is committed to grow private sector jobs right here in northern Schuylkill County,” Senator David G. Argall (R-29) said. “These infrastructure upgrades will help turn a once-vacant property into the newest job site along the I-81 corridor.”
“I would like to thank all the local officials who worked so closely on obtaining this funding,” Representative Neal Goodman (D-123) said. “It will go a long way toward bringing water and sewer into this part of my legislative district. It will also help the 400 acre Mahanoy Business Park become a true job creator. This funding could not come at a better time.”
“Today’s announcement from PENNVEST is the culmination of the funding plan to make the Mahanoy Business Park waterline project a reality,” Patrick M. Caulfield, P.E., Executive Director, Schuylkill County Municipal Authority said. “SCMA has worked with PENNVEST to successfully complete over $85 million worth of infrastructure projects since 1993. We look forward to initiating the bidding phase of the project to meet the upcoming construction season.”
“The Mahanoy Business Park project is a major economic development priority for northern Schuylkill County and represents a collective effort between local, county, state and private sectors leaders to add jobs and tax base to this part of the county,” SCMA 2nd Vice Chairman and Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) President Frank J. Zukas said. “Municipal water and sewer services are an essential ingredient in making that happen, with this SCMA project representing the first big step in the financial investment needed to get the project started and moving in the right direction.”
The park currently has three businesses that utilize the existing private wells, but do not provide adequate yields. The park has approximately 11 industrial lots available for development on the north side of I-81 and 1 large parcel of prime industrial land that is a designated Keystone Opportunity Zone on the south side of the highway.
In November, officials announced a grant through the state’s Commonwealth Financing Authority to install new water lines and a new 500,000 gallon water storage tank.
Officials anticipate hundreds of new jobs will be created at the business park.