WATERTOWN, NY (news release) — New York State’s lead economic development agency, Empire State Development, has certified the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency’s Business Complex at Watertown International Airport as “Shovel Ready”.
The certification means that the JCIDA has worked proactively with the State to address all major permitting issues, prior to a business expressing interest in the location.
The Business Complex at Watertown International is a corporate park being developed adjacent to the airport. This strategic location can be compelling to a potential business that relies on quick and easy access to air service, with additional proximity to Interstate 81.
Obtaining Shovel Ready certification required the JCIDA to complete an extensive checklist of plans and studies: including archeological studies, environmental assessments, protected and rare species survey, soils survey, wetland mitigation plan, traffic study, conceptual site plan and more. Key funding support for the project came from National Grid’s Shovel Ready Infrastructure Program and from Empire State Development.
This advance work creates a site that streamlines the planning and permitting process so that site construction can begin rapidly, once a prospective business decides to develop a facility there.
“Time is money for the developers of a new business facility, and the work completed to date will help us move any new projects along much more quickly, making Jefferson County a much more attractive location”, said JCIDA deputy CEO David J. Zembiec.
Purcell Construction’s Bradley Street Business Park is also certified as Shovel Ready, as is the Jefferson County Corporate Park on Outer Coffeen Street. However, the Coffeen Street location is nearly full.
