Certified Site Program Pays Dividends in Stevens Point
For the City-Times
Ground was broken in October for a Service Cold Storage warehouse in Stevens Point. The $14.5 million warehouse is the first development under Wisconsin’s Certified Site Program, which works with communities to create “shovel-ready” industrial sites.
Once a site is certified, a potential developer has all the information needed to make a quick decision about whether that site is right for their needs.
Providing developers with instant access to that information – things like how close a site is to major highways and rail lines or whether there are any environmental issues – gives those communities a competitive edge when it comes to luring new businesses.
That’s just what happened in the state’s largest Certificate Site – a 760-acre business park in Stevens Point – where Service Cold Storage just started construction on the 157,000-square-foot distribution center.
Stevens Point officials believe the project is just the first of many other businesses that will open in the East Park Commerce Center, which could ultimately generate thousands of new jobs and increase the city’s tax base by $300 to $500 million.
The state’s Certified Site program was launched last year, and there are now sites throughout the state. Visit the WEDC Website for details on the program.