Ecker Announces Funding to Transform Brownfield into Industrial Hub

November 12, 2019

ABBOTTSTOWN – A longtime brownfield in Oxford Township, Adams County will be revitalized into a job-creating industrial hub partially through a $570,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund Program grant, announced Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Adams/Cumberland).

The site is a 92-acre former brick manufacturing facility in Berlin Junction located right outside of New Oxford that has been abandoned for more than 25 years. The site features an unused rail spur, which would be brought back online through grant funding.

“Plans to revitalize this site have been on my radar since taking office,” Ecker said. “Since January, I have worked with the developer to assist with securing funding to improve rail transport to the site. I am glad the Commonwealth Financing Authority saw the merits of this project to improve regional freight rail service.”

The funding award today will be used to design and build a turnout from the main rail line, a rail spur and additional rail lines for storage. This phase of the larger project will allow the site to become a rail hub for freight trains that will distribute materials manufactured at the site.

The overall project includes the construction of a more than 425,000-square-foot facility to potentially house upwards of four businesses. Two manufacturers have committed to moving onto the site, creating 20 new jobs while retaining 40 jobs. A third manufacturer is considering moving to the site and bringing with it an additional 300 new jobs. A fourth business has shown interest in the site and could bring more jobs. At least two of these potential incoming businesses are moving operations from another state into Pennsylvania.

“This project would have a far-reaching positive impact on our local economy and the people who live in Adams County, all while revitalizing an abandoned site,” Ecker said. “I am very excited to see this project coming to fruition and look forward to its completion.”

The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the Commonwealth.

Representative Torren Ecker
193rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepEcker.com / Facebook.com/RepTorrenEcker