Economic development board discusses developing projects

The Susquehanna County Economic Development Advisory Board discussed several developing projects at its Thursday, March 23 meeting.
Tony Ventello, executive director of the Progress Authority, provided an update on Integrative Counseling Services, which provides clinical counseling and behavioral health services, and is looking to open an office in New Milford. The Progress Authority is working with Alyse Kerr, of ICS, on site acquisition.
Integrative Counseling Services received a Workforce & Economic Development Network (WEDnet) grant from the state. But, Ventello said, the state recognizes most of the staff as independent contractors so the amount of the grant was decreased.
WEDnet grants provide for funds that can be used for workforce training. More information on the grants can be found at www.wednetpa.com.
The long dormant Montrose Area Industrial Development Association (MAIDA) has approved a localized loan for 2 Dogz and a Guy Brewing, which plans to open this spring in downtown Montrose.
The Progress Authority is also investigating potential funding for Phase 3 of the Endless Mountains Health Systems project. Phase 1 was the hospital, with Phase 2 being the physician’s clinic.
The total cost for Phase 3, which would bring the remaining EMHS services under one roof, is about $6 million. The RACP program has a “dollar for dollar” match, Ventello said, and would therefore require $3 million in local funds to be eligible.
He also reported that EMHS had completed the closeout audit of Phase I and II with no findings.
The water line on the Route 29 corridor south of Montrose is about half-way completed. The line will provide water to the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility.
The Progress Authority’s completion of the county’s commercial site inventory is complete and the group is working on making it available online, with those interested in potential opportunities in the county could create a log-in to access the information.
Ventello said the log-in would better enable the Progress Authority to follow up with companies that have an interest in the area.
Board member Bill Owens said that from a user standpoint he thought the log-in could have a chilling effect on prospects.
There are preliminary discussions to get a cost model for the potential dark fiber project in Susquehanna County.
Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-111th) is reportedly interested and was involved in a Dark Fiber project in Wayne Co.
The Susquehanna County Economic Development Advisory Board meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, 10 a.m., in the bottom level conference room of the County Office Building in Montrose.

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