b'DEVELOPMEnT PrOJEcTSDespite the hardships posed by the pandemic, 2020 was a year that sawWestmoreland County make significant strides on the economic-development front.hempfield business park In March, the WCIDC set the stage for its next development project by paying $2.5 million to purchase 110 acres along Georges Station Road inHempfield and Unity townships. Located next to Westmoreland County Industrial Park I and within a mile of the newly opened Live! Casino, theproperty will be used for a mixed-use development that could include oce, manufacturing, residential and commercial space. Because the pandemics long-term impact on oce space isnt yet known, the detailsand timeline of this development havent been finalized.The WCIDC is funding the purchase with a mix of low-interest financing and internal revenue sources. Through the support of Gov. Tom WolfandState Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward, a $1 million grant was approvedby the state through the redevelopment assistance capital Programandwill be used to support site development activities. The WCIDC anticipatesspending $6-8 million to fully develop the concept.commerce crossing at WestmorelandAlthough a few elements related to a concurrent PennDOT project to installroundabouts and improve the nearby portion I-70 remain to be completed,2020 is the year when the nearly all infrastructure work and land-site development for Commerce Crossings five lots was finalized. The newestaddition to the WCIDCs industrial/business park system, this 206-acre parkmeets the needs of companies seeking pad-ready sites with direct access to active rail and the interstate highway system.Located along Waltz Mill Road in Sewickley Townshipnear the countysNew Stanton transportation hubthe site will be served by the SouthwestPennsylvania Railroad, which oers daily service to and from connectionswith Norfolk Southern, CSX Transportationand Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway. This rail-served park supports core Objective 7.7 Focus onFreight in the countys Reimagining Westmoreland comprehensive plan.Take a virtual tour of Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland by visitingwww.westmorelandcountyidc.orgAlthough all five of the Commerce Crossing lots were pad-ready by the end of 2020, only three remain available. The right edge of the photo shows PennDOT work to upgrade I-70.6'