Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation (PMEDC) Chairman Paul Canevari announced the approval of a $158,500 Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP) grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development for environmental remediation at the former International Boiler Works (IBW) in East Stroudsburg.
“We were competing with two other communities in the Commonwealth for these funds,” commented Mr. Canevari. “We want to congratulate Chuck and his staff on the application and presentation that was prepared.”
PMEDC Executive Director Chuck Leonard presented the project on Tuesday, October 2 at the Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference in Harrisburg competing against projects from Altoona and Harrisburg. The judging panel selected the IBW project to receive the Redeveloping PA, Extreme Makeover award based on need, location, the potential economic impact of new companies on the site and the presentation.
“The presentation given by Mr. Leonard touched on all the criteria the department uses when evaluating these types of applications,” commented Commonwealth Financing Authority Executive Director Scott Dunkelberger.
The IBW site has been vacant for more than 15 years and once was the employer of over 200 people. The abandoned buildings have been the target of vandalism and dumping. As a rail-served, industrial-zoned property, it is an attractive site for redevelopment.
Roger DeLarco, East Stroudsburg Borough Council Chairman, said “We have been working on this for some time and appreciate DCED’s support as we work to make this a viable site for business and create new job opportunities for our citizens.”
The IBW Revitalization Project is also supported by a Monroe County Revolving Loan made possible by CDBG funds from the Monroe County Commissioners.