Federal grant awarded for Beech Bottom Industrial Park

BEECH BOTTOM -- Currently home to four industrial businesses, the Beech Bottom Industrial Park can undergo additional renovations that will help it to occupy others, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Authority.

The Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle has announced the federal agency awarded $3.1 million for the addition of solar panels to an expansive section of roof, replacement of the complex's water collection system and electrical upgrades there.

Jacob Keeney, the BDC's assistant executive director, said the funds will be matched with about $800,000 in private investments, supporting operations there by the industrial park's current occupants and renovations needed to make about 110,000 square feet available to potential new businesses.

The industrial park was developed from a former Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel plant acquired by the BDC, in partnership with Hackman Capital Partners, following the steel firm's bankruptcy in 2012.

Since then, it's become home to Jupiter Aluminum, which recycles aluminum scrap for use in building construction, vehicles and other uses; the East Coast distribution center for Tenaris, a manufacturer of pipe for the oil and gas industry; industrial masonry operations of Bisco Refractories, and most recently, Pure Watercraft, which produces electric boats and boat engines.

Keeney noted businesses at the industrial park have contributed more than $15 million in improvements there, including a new roof supported by Jupiter Aluminum that will allow the addition of 400 to 600 solar panels.

He said the panels will supplement the complex's existing power supply and have been highly sought by potential new tenants for the park.

"A lot of companies will only go where they have access to sustainable energy. The panels will give us a competitive edge in attracting new businesses," said Keeney.

He said architects have prepared designs for the project, which will be submitted for the USEDA's approval, and he hopes to advertise for contractors in six months.

BDC Executive Director Marvin Six said about 110 are employed by the four businesses, with Pure Watercraft expected to employ another 80 when production begins.

Six said the original steel mill at the site was built in the early 1900s and a new stormwater collection system is needed to comply with current federal environmental regulations.

Beech Bottom Mayor Becky Uhlly said when Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel declared bankruptcy about a dozen years ago, she and others in the village were concerned the local plant would fall into disrepair.

"We were afraid whoever bought it would use it only for a laydown yard (for the storage of materials). Thank goodness the BDC has invested in the building," she said.

Brooke County Commissioner A.J. Thomas said the county commission appreciates the efforts of the BDC, which has secured $15.5 million in federal, state and local grants and loans to redevelop the former steel property and to current occupants for their own investments to the site.

Keeney said the grant is the second secured from the federal EDA for the industrial park. He credited the award of $3.6 million by the agency in 2018 and a local match of about $1 million, from private investments, for helping to bring Pure Watercraft to the location.

Thomas noted the Brooke County Public Service District also is preparing to extend $2 million worth of water line to about 150 acres just north of the industrial park.

Noting the recent completion of the new Ohio River bridge a short distance away, Thomas said he envisions the village playing a very large role in future economic development.

"I really feel there are no limits in Beech Bottom. When the next big thing comes to Brooke County, it's going to be in Beech Bottom," he said.