As many of you have heard by now a company by the name of Continental Dairy has great interest in placing a milk processing plant at the old Delphi facility. Their intent is to receive milk and process it into powdered milk and heavy cream. Continental Dairy would only use the north half of the building and construct the new processing structure on the northwest side. The south half would be leased to yet an unknown business.
Even though the press has reported that this investment will happen, there are a few issues that have yet to be resolved. The first is how the city can best finance the major upgrades to our existing waste water treatment plant (WWTP). We are currently working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Ottawa County Economic Development Office (OCEDO) in applying for a couple of grants that at this time would cover $3-$4 million of the total cost of roughly $8.8 million. In addition, we are studying the possibility of applying for low interest loans that would be paid back through a surcharge back to Continental Dairy.
Many have asked what about the federal stimulus money? The interesting fact at this time is that there is no stimulus money available. I could write in length about the administrative problems in this program, but I won’t. Instead, I will state we are exploring all possible sources of monies in making this a reality. It should be noted though, that no Coopersville taxpayers’ money will be used to cover the WWTP upgrades.
The second issue is making all of this happen within a very aggressive timeline set by Continental Dairy. They would like to be in operation by November of 2010. As this is being written many of us are concerned this may not be possible with all of the mandatory public notices, numerous permits that are required, and of course finishing the upgrades to the WWTP.
My advice to those that are following this issue is to be careful in believing everything you read in the press or hear on TV or radio. Until there is actual construction taking place at the site we should be cautious in our excitement about this potentially large investment in our community.
Have a great weekend.