Waynesboro has acquired 170 acres of land, and it's just waiting for new industry. But some important questions remain - How much will it cost to develop? And are there wetlands to avoid?
The city hopes a new study answers those vital questions. Also, the city is wondering whether they could actually save some money, by combining the sewage needs of the proposed industrial park, with a long-awaited project for the nearby Oakhill neighborhood.
Last summer, Waynesboro bought 170 acres near the junction of Interstate 64 and South Delphine Avenue. The city is considering a detailed engineering study, at a cost of $25,000.
The study should reveal the best ways to run water and sewer lines, grade the land for potential industry, and connect customers with roads and rail lines.
Waynesboro Economic Director Greg Hitchin said, "By having a detailed survey, looking at the elevations, so we know where we can build, where we can't build. It would help us see any roadblocks we might have that we might want to work around, or determine the cost to work through."
Waynesboro hopes the study also shows that it could build a single pump-station to serve the industrial park and nearby homes that have been targeted for sewer upgrades. This engineering study is expected to take about four months.
It's already been green-lighted by the Waynesboro Economic Development Authority and will go before city council Monday night.
