There is one major obstacle standing in the way of Scranton Manufacturing’s plans to expand its facility and that is solving its drainage issues.
This week, executive director of Midwest Partnership Chad Schreck proposed a Watershed Improvement Review Board Grant from the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship to the Greene County Board of Supervisors.
He says the grant will use state money to help with flood control and drainage problems. He adds that the early spring floods in Scranton caused property damage to the manufacturer and the solution is to create a five to six foot deep retention pond at a cost of about $250,000.
Grant applications allow for up to $300,000 per request and Shreck states they would ask for about $150,000-$160,000 with a match from other entities such as the City or Scranton Manufacturing.
He explains the uphill battle if their application is denied since the building expansion of 5,600-square feet cannot start until a solution is found.
“Well, it’ll complicate things and make it a little bit harder for the business (Scranton Manufacturing). It’s hard to justify a $250,000 expense for something like this that doesn’t have a direct return on investment. So, it’ll make it harder.”
The deadline for finalized applications is by next Tuesday, October 15th.