Business Park III is one of 11 projects funded through the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s first round of investments totaling about $64 million, which aims to “build shovel-ready” sites “to attract businesses, investment and good-paying jobs to Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said.

The site along Country Ridge Road near the REI Distribution Center will consist of two areas with a total of nine lots ranging in size from 20.9 acres to one acre. The BCDA will use the funds to make site improvements, including extending water and sewer lines and grading parcels, according to the DCED website.

“This grant is truly a game changer for Bedford County,” said Bette Slayton, BCDA president and CEO. “It gives us the ability to develop and to proactively market new, shovel-ready sites. And that’s something that’s absolutely critical in recruiting and attracting new employers.”

The total project cost “thus far” is a “little over $5 million,” Slayton said, with the land being acquired for $2.2 million using a Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loan.

Gov. Josh Shapiro (center) speaks Tuesday about a $2.8 million grant awarded to the Bedford County Development Association. Mirror photo by Rachel Foor

While the project timeline isn’t clear, Slayton said members of the BCDA board “are going to giddy up.”

“We’re going to get the contract signed with you all and then the first step will be doing the engineering of the site so that then we can go to bid,” Slayton said.

The BCDA will also be working with the government to market the business park as it doesn’t have any companies dedicated to its site.

“I’m sure that once we’re able to announce that it’s coming, we will have a lot of interest,” Slayton said.

“We have had (interest), but we couldn’t land them,” she said of earlier prospects.

Shapiro agreed, saying “time is money” for businesses.

“They don’t have time to go and build a bunch of stuff,” Shapiro said. “They go out, they see a pad. It’s ready to go. … They’re going to be way more apt to choose Bedford County at that point.”

Slayton said the county is “back in the game” thanks to the investment.

“With our existing business parks nearly sold out, we’ve missed too many opportunities because we simply didn’t have the sites that could accommodate the needs of the prospects who were calling us,” Slayton said.

During the news conference, Shapiro also announced Slayton’s upcoming retirement from the BCDA.

“Bette, I wanted to give you a shout out because I know you have been integral to so much of the group and development here in Bedford County and I know this chapter in your life is about to close,” Shapiro said. “We’re going to miss you and we want to just wish you the very best in your retirement.”

Mirror Staff Writer Rachel Foor is at 814-946-7458.