01/09/13 A potential development site located along U.S. 30 four miles west of the crossroads of U.S. 30 and U.S. 31 in Plymouth, received ‘shovel ready’ certification Tuesday by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). This certification demonstrates that the site owned by the Plymouth Industrial Development Corporation (PIDCO) has a high level of development “readiness” where businesses can quickly locate a new facility.
The 105 acre site, of which 57 acres are “shovel ready”, is the first site in Marshall County to obtain the coveted “shovel ready” status. It becomes one of only five “shovel ready” sites in an eight county northern Indiana region including St. Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko, Fulton, Pulaski, Starke, and La Porte counties. Throughout Indiana, 85 sites have been certified by the state since the program began in 2006.
As a part of the certification process, extensive research, surveying, and preliminary environmental work were completed including a title commitment, an ALTA and topographic survey, a Phase I environmental site assessment, a wetland delineation, and proof that adequate infrastructure is currently available at the site. The certification will also be used to expedite both the local and state permitting processes for site development.
“We appreciate the support and willingness of PIDCO for their investment in demonstrating that their site is ready for development,” said Derek Spier, AICP, economic development specialist with the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation. “As the economy continues to rebound, it is imperative that we have sites in Marshall County that can be marketed to site selectors, are readily available, and can be quickly developed. This certification eliminates some of the unknowns faced when developing a site.”
The sites are reviewed and certified by the IEDC’s Fast Access Site Team that includes representatives from IEDC, governor’s office, Indiana Office of Rural and Community Affairs, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Indiana State Department of Homeland Security.
The “shovel ready” sites are listed on the IEDC’s Site and Building Database at http://statein.zoomprospector.com/. This online resource allows site selection consultants and businesses to research available commercial and industrial properties that are available for quick development and investment.
About Marshall County Economic Development Corporation: Since 2007, The Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) has been the countywide economic development organization dedicated to assisting existing business in any growth endeavor and in attracting new business. Our mission is to expand and diversify the economy through investment in new and existing businesses and creating a foundation for successful entrepreneurial activity. Visit MCEDC on the web at www.marshallcountyedc.org, and on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
