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County Industrial Park renewed as Mo. Certified Site

Justin Addison, Editor/Publisher
Posted 12/22/20

The Howard County Industrial Park has been renewed as a Missouri Certified Site for the second time, a designation that provides strong economic potential for the county. Originally certified on …

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County Industrial Park renewed as Mo. Certified Site

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The Howard County Industrial Park has been renewed as a Missouri Certified Site for the second time, a designation that provides strong economic potential for the county. Originally certified on Sept. 22, 2011, the Park is one of only 30 in Missouri to earn the designation. It is located on 45.23 county-owned acres on State Highway DD next to Missouri Pacific Lumber south of Fayette.

This marks the second time the site has been renewed. Certifications last for three years. Electrical services are provided by Howard Electric Cooperative with water and sewer services from the City of Fayette.

Sites must meet specific criteria to be deemed “certified.” According to the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), the purpose of the Missouri Certified Sites program is to define benchmarks consistent with national economic development industry standards regarding the availability and development potential of commercial or industrial development sites.

“It’s a very important program in the state’s attraction efforts,” said Michael Bugalski, President of the Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation. “Fayette and Howard County are one of 30 sites now that are part of this special program. That means it has special exposure.”

Program criteria were established based on both the requirements of industry and the availability of data documentation. Site pre-qualification through the certified sites process provides a standardized tool by which both development professionals and business prospects can review prospective sites for compatibility with their development needs.

“Site certification is an important component in our efforts to have our county’s assets recognized in today’s competitive environment,” explained Amber Overfelt, President of the Howard County Economic Development Council, which spearheaded the effort. The council also worked with the Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation (MAEDC) and the Howard County Commission.

The certification of a site is performed through a comprehensive review of many of the issues facing businesses and corporations as they search for areas to relocate or expand. These include the availability of utilities, site access, environmental concerns, land use conformance, and potential site development costs. Having a site “certified” reduces the risk associated with the development of particular sites by providing upfront and consistent information.

“This was a great project for us – one that highlights the importance of Howard County’s partnership with the Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation,” Overfelt said. “The number of man-hours and the expertise required to obtain site certification went well beyond what can be expected of volunteers. We appreciate everyone who was involved with this effort including, the HCEDC board and its financial supporters, the Howard County Commission, and, of course, our partners at the MAEDC.”

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