Bedford, PA – The Bedford County Development Association (BCDA) is advancing plans for Bedford County Business Park III, following the recent acquisition of 151 acres on Country Ridge Road in Bedford Township. This new development, spanning three parcels, will be executed in phases to accommodate future business growth and expansion.
BCDA Chair Jeff Crist highlighted the importance of this new project, noting that nearly all lots in the existing parks are sold. “Bedford County has had remarkable success with our business parks in the past. We’ve attracted new employers and provided expansion sites for our existing businesses. This new park will position Bedford County for continued job growth and economic success in the years to come.”
The acquisition follows a year-long site search which involved local input. Stiffler McGraw, a full service engineering firm, conducted preliminary studies on a variety of sites. The Country Ridge Road location was selected after a thorough analysis evaluating site and environmental conditions, public utility access, road infrastructure and other factors.
The first phase of the project focused on site analysis and land acquisition. The second phase will involve applications for state and federal funding to support both on-site and off-site infrastructure development. In October, BCDA secured a $1.65 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loan for the land acquisition, a key step in advancing the project.
Private developers often face significant challenges in financing rural business parks due to high development costs, which is why BCDA has taken the lead in this development. The association has assumed the financial risk of the $2.2 million land purchase and secured $215,600 for the initial studies. Future funding sources will include grants, loans, and equity. The goal is to stimulate economic growth through job creation and increased tax revenue for Bedford County.
“Bedford County offers exceptional market accessibility, a skilled and dedicated workforce, excellent transportation infrastructure, and great quality of life,” said Crist. “The availability of development-ready sites is essential to attracting future employers. This project will provide critical space for companies looking to establish or expand operations in our region.”
Bette Slayton, BCDA President and CEO, added, “This is an investment in the long-term prosperity of our region. Bedford County Business Park I was launched in 1999 and, 25 years later, its final lots are now being developed. Projects like these take time. The strategic planning, dedication, and collaboration involved in this effort will help ensure a future for Bedford County’s economy that is diversified and growing.”
The Bedford County Business Park III is a critical step in the BCDA’s broader economic development efforts, with an eye on providing opportunities for growth and development that will benefit both businesses and the local community for years to come.
For more information on the BCDA and the Bedford County Business Park III, please visit https://www.bcda.org or contact Bette Slayton, President/CEO at slayton@bcda.org or call 814-623-4816.
About the Bedford County Development Association (BCDA)
The Bedford County Development Association (BCDA) is a non-profit organization focused on fostering economic development in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Through its leadership, BCDA has helped establish and expand business parks, attracted new employers, and supported the growth of existing businesses in the region.