Gov. Tom Corbett Monday announced the Department of Community and Economic Development awarded an Industrial Sites Reuse Program grant to the Borough of Conshohocken for environmental remediation at the former Verizon building to be utilized as a new municipal complex.

On Friday, Corbett announced that the Department of Community and Economic Development awarded an Industrial Sites Reuse Programgrant to the Redevelopment Authority of Montgomery County for environmental remediation and asbestos cleanup at the former Keasbey & Mattison Company manufacturing facility located in Ambler Borough.

Conshohocken Site

“Abandoned or unused buildings can be rehabilitated and used for economic development initiatives,” said Gov. Corbett. “Our support of this project will allow the Borough of Conshohocken to consolidate all administrative and public safety functions into one facility allowing for better coordination of services for its residents.”

The Borough of Conshohocken has been awarded a $480,307 Industrial Sites Reuse Program grant for remediation of the former Verizon building, converting it from a Class C, non-functioning, out-of-date facility and transforming the building into a Class A office asset to be utilized as a new municipal complex.

The borough purchased the Verizon Building in 2007 with the intent of redeveloping it for use as a new municipal complex and consolidating all administrative and public safety functions into one facility. However, the restoration and renovation costs were prohibitive, and nothing was done to stabilize the building and stop its rapid deterioration.

The building contains hazardous contaminants and is currently uninhabitable because of the environmental contamination. The Borough will partner with Keystone Property Group to rehabilitate the structure.

Ambler Borough Site

“With investments in environmental remediation, Pennsylvania’s vacant and unused facilities are opportunities for new growth and development,” Gov. Corbett said. “Our partnership with the redevelopment authority and Ambler will help resolve an asbestos health hazard and open the door to future development.”

The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Montgomery was awarded a $1,000,000 Industrial Sites Reuse Program grant for environmental remediation costs at the former Keasbey & Mattison Company manufacturing facility located in Ambler Borough, Montgomery County.

ISRP funds will be used for asbestos abatement of steam tunnel piping and subsurface structures, excavation and disposal of contaminated soil, excavation and handling of asbestos containing material, installation of geotextile membrane for ACM-free utility corridors, and installation of environmental cap.

RAMC has partnered with Ambler Crossings Development Partners, LP for environmental remediation. ACDP plans to remediate the asbestos-contaminated 4.6-acre parcel and construct a 115-unit apartment building totaling 134,205 square feet. The total cost of the project is $3,295,000 with ACDP providing $2,295,000 in funds to support the project.

ISRP provides grants and low-interest loans for environmental assessments and remediation. The program fosters the cleanup of environmental contamination at industrial sites, thereby bringing blighted land into productive reuse. The program is administered by DCED.

For more information, visit DCED’s Industrial Sites Reuse Program webpage.

11/3/2014