The Delaware Council on Development Finance will consider a request by a cold storage company that wants to build a $135 million warehouse in Claymont.
Agile Cold of Claymont LLC is seeking a Strategic Fund grant of $4.56 million for the warehouse. The Strategic Fund is funded annually in the Delaware state budget. Funds are awarded if specified employment and spending goals are reached.
The grants are typically recouped from income and other taxes paid by the company and employees.
Delaware Online reported the warehouse with a price tag of $135 million would be located at the First State Crossing development at the site of the former Claymont/Evraz steel mill.
The crossing is anchored by a new Claymont train station and is envisioned as a mixed use project with industrial, office and other tenants. With the office market in what is expected to be a prolonged slump, the emphasis is expected to shift to distribution and other uses.
The former steel town has been undergoing a revitalization effort that includes new housing, with the train station offering an option for those working in portions of the Philadelphia area such as Center City.
Delaware and adjacent areas have attracted cold storage facilities over the years, with the Port of Wilmington serving as a destination for imported fruit.
Milford-based Burris Logistics, Milford is one of Delaware’s largest privately held companies and operates warehouses in the East, Midwest and South.
Also to be considered is a $50,000 grant for Ballydel Technologies Inc., Wilmington for Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) grant.
The meeting is slated for Monday morning at the state-owned Buena Vista conference center south of New Castle.
