The program is designed to evaluate and improve industrial sites in the counties within the Duke Energy service territory, according to the city.
Middletown was the only Ohio community selected this year for the Duke Energy program, according to Jennifer Ekey, Middletown’s economic development director.
“Working with Atrium Medical Center, we submitted the 87-acre site directly across from the medical campus for review under the program guidelines. The purpose of this program is to ensure that we have done as much as we can, and are as prepared as possible, for potential development projects,” she said in a statement.
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Possible future development projects for the Middletown property could include light industrial, mixed use, or retail, according to the city.
“There are many factors that influence manufacturing companies considering a site location. Low-cost energy service is one component and we are excited to help promote economic development and jobs in our area,” said Tim Abbott, Duke Energy community relations and government affairs manager, in a statement.
To qualify for the Site Readiness Program, a site must be a legitimate industrial site, usually 75 acres or more, and Duke Energy must be able to compete for service to the site, according to the city.
Duke Energy officials said the program includes:
- Initial assessment of existing or potential industrial sites
- A detailed "buildability" assessment and development of conceptual plans for the site
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