This award provided funding to Catawba County to install a sewer line to support establishment of a 55-acre business park in the fast-growing, southeastern sector of the county. The county also had an option to purchase 23 acres nearby. A Duke Energy Site Readiness assessment of the 55-acre parcel identified potential end users in the light manufacturing, office, or mixed-use sectors but highlighted lack of sewer as a critical deficit. Catawba County’s initial goals for the business park included $1.753 million invested in public infrastructure, $18 million in private investment, and the creation of at least 125 jobs with salaries averaging $48,000 annually. Golden LEAF funds were be used for the construction of sewer infrastructure.
