With the creation of the newest industrial park in Becker in 1994 the city has been actively providing land for industrial development. From the land purchased from Fred and Vivian Doering in 1993 the city acquired 121 acres. Of that amount all but 30 acres were developed into lots with roads and utilities. When we look at whats left we have only four platted sites. One site will not be sold as it is the future site for the North Star Corridor Station. One lot of 2.38 acres is adjacent to Advanced Extrusion. This lot is potentially available but there is some interest in it. There are two other 1 acre lots which are under an option until January 1, 2008. It is anticipated this option will be undertaken so these properties will soon be occupied.

This brings us back to the undeveloped 30 acres the city has for future industrial development. The city has been looking at options concerning development of this property for some time. The development of this property is somewhat expensive as it requires higher development costs in needing a lift station for sanitary sewer. Addressing these costs is one issue but another is defining the best approach in development.

The city has recently authorized a study to determine costs, layout and construction time lines for the potential development of this site. The study will determine a layout for proposed sanitary sewer, water main and storm drainage for two different alternatives. The study would also analyze storm water run off from each alternative along with a statement of probable costs. Finally it would identify and calculate the preliminary assessments that would be placed on the property.

Taking these steps moves us in the direction of providing additional land for industrial development and thereby generating tax base and employment. Once the time lines are know for the construction of the project the city will be able to better plan and discuss the development with the city council and potential developers.