News & Events

BARBERTON INDUSTRIAL PARK RECEIVES $158,920 IN STATE ASSISTANCE

WHAT: City of Barberton Mayor Bob Genet announces today, notice of a grant award of $158,920 through the Ohio Department of Development Clean Ohio Assistance Fund (COAF). Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, Director of the Ohio Department of Development sent the grant award notice. Chris Burnham, President and Executive Director of the Summit County Port Authority states that “This grant was made possible through a partnership formed between the Summit County Port Authority and the Barberton Community Development Corporation to secure the COAF grant and it demonstrates the success that comes with regional cooperation. The grant is the first step to create a viable rail served industrial park within the City of Barberton, generating economic growth for the community and surrounding area.”

WHERE: Riverside Rail Park, will be located on the South side of Barberton with access off of Snyder Avenue adjacent to the east side of the Akron Barberton Belt Cluster Railway (ABCRR) and peoples Cartage Bulk Transfer Station, another BCDC project.

ABOUT THE PROJECT: Riverside Rail Park is comprised of approximately 50 acres of land, much of which was previously known as the Russell Avenue Land Fill. The purpose of the grant is to conduct the final phases of ongoing environmental remediation at the site, in order to prepare the site for development to accommodate businesses that utilize rail services. The City of Barberton is donating a portion of the land to the BCDC, and the BCDC has secured purchase option agreements for property currently owned by ABCRR. The Summit County Port Authority (SPCA) has been instrumental in making application for and administering the grant on behalf of the BCDC. It is estimated that as many as 50 jobs will be created once Riverside Rail Park is fully developed. Rail Services have had recent record years in sales, and the demand for available rail sites has been increasing.

For further information Contact: Christopher Burnham, President of the Summit County Port Authority (SCPA) 330-762-4776 Larry Lallo. Executive Director of BCDC (330) 745-3070

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