From Staff Reports

LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation is planning some major renovation projects in 2024.

During the Board of Directors’ quarterly meeting on Tuesday, President and CEO Nick Felice discussed various repairs and building improvements

“Having nearly century-old assets, we always plan for significant maintenance expenditures,” said Felice.

This year, the maintenance line item in our 2024 operating budget is $350,000. Common repairs include concrete floors, roofs, masonry walls, utilities, streets and storm sewers.

“We do not enter the year intending to spend $ 350,000. However, to be good stewards of the assets we have been charged with administering, we must set aside adequate resources to handle these expenses,” Felice said.

The agency CEO explained that work on the 5C demolition project is expected to go to bid in early February. Once demolished, a new building is expected to be constructed in its place.

Felice said MCIDC completed a railroad track rehabilitation project where nearly 600 linear feet of siding was replaced with modern rails, switches and ties.

“Significant grant support for the project was secured from (the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation).” Felice said “The Commonwealth’s support was key in completing this important infrastructure improvement. Many companies need railroad access. Having that capacity here in the Plaza is important, especially for Growmark: who is one of our main tenants.”

During the meeting, Felice also outlined some other projects MCIDC has been involved with, including a press conference that was held this week at Mifflin County CareerLink. The event, he said, recognized major improvements to Building 58.

The purpose was to recognize a major new investment in the Plaza and community.

“MCIDC invested over $133,000 of improvements to the interior of the building including new flooring, paint, efficiency lighting and windows. Our investment spurred the tenant to invest in new office fixtures and furniture. A portion of our upfront investment was based on cost sharing formula with the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit/TIU, our tenant, the Commonwealth and several other affiliates.” He added “Beyond the facilities, the coordination of workforce development with economic development efforts is enhanced by upgraded facilities and the fact MCIDC co-located our administrative offices into Building 58 in late 2018.”

“Representing the business community, especially large employers, MCIDC shares information and provides referrals to company managers. One thing CareerLink offers businesses of all sizes is access to meeting and training rooms. The building has electronic infrastructure capable of accessing the internet and provides white boards. Smaller companies with limited resources can take advantage of this.”

For more information, call the CareerLink at (717) 248-4942.