A portion of the best commercial land in Southern New Hampshire could see a new industrial park if Londonderry qualifies for an economic stimulus package proposed by President-elect Barack Obama.
The 1,000-acre industrial park would be near Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and would connect Pettingill Road to an airport access road that is slated to be completed by 2013, according to Community Development Director Andre Garron.
The town has submitted the project to the state and could receive federal funding soon after Obama takes office.
The $12.3 million project would mean not only construction jobs, but also 4,000 permanent jobs in the 4.6 million square feet of office space that could be constructed in the area, Garron said. Engineering work has been completed for the project.
"This is a project consistent with what that money should be used for," Garron said.
Derry also has submitted more than $40 million worth of projects to the state that includes improvements to Route 28 and the proposed Exit 4A off Interstate 93.
Derry has completed all of the engineering to widen Route 28 north of Crystal Avenue from two lanes to five. The town has been considering paying for the $6 million project through a tax-increment finance district, but hasn't requested any bids yet.
"It would be very nice to go without having to pay for it with a TIF district," Town Administrator Gary Stenhouse said yesterday.
The town also hopes to improve the southern section of Route 28 closer to the Windham line that is home to several used car lots. That area of town is thought to be prime for economic development, but needs municipal water and sewer to attract business.
"There's a project that could pay back more than would be given out by the federal government," council Chairman Rick Metts said.
Exit 4A has been in the works for more than 10 years and almost came to a standstill last year when the project was not included on the state's 10-year transportation list. An environmental impact study is still being conducted, as well as a search for funding sources if federal dollars are not available.
That project is expected to cost at least $30 million and would open up land in Derry and Londonderry for economic development.
