Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
The City of Hancock has taken the first step toward potential development of its business and technology park.
The city has owned a 40-acre parcel between Tomasi Drive and Lake Annie Road on the north side of town for some years. It was purchased for this kind of use.
Recently, the federal government presented a limited development opportunity for municipalities which had recently experienced disaster declarations. Instead of the usual 50 percent match it offers for such projects, Hancock qualifies for an 80 percent federal match – but only if application is made by August 20th.
County Commissioner and former Hancock City Manager Glenn Anderson headed a committee that looked into the opportunity.
At last night’s council meeting, he presented two options. Each would split the 40 acres into 15 parcels of two to four acres. Each would build a road, and install utilities. A $2 million plan would stop there, and would use open ditches along the road for storm water drainage. A $3 million plan would add curbs, gutters, underground storm water drainage, and street lighting.
With the 80 percent federal match, the basic plan would cost the city $400,000. The more complete plan would cost $600,000.
Anderson and Keweenaw Economic Development Authority Executive Director Jeff Ratcliffe said additional grants may be available to offset the city’s contribution.
Anderson told council members that there is a need for such a development…
There’s potential…
And there are some businesses that might have used it already, if it had been developed years ago…
The council decided to begin the application process, using the expanded $3 million plan.
