The Rutland City Board of Aldermen has approved a request fromCollege of StJoseph to waive a substantial initial water allocation feeand to stabilize the college’s water and sewer bill over the first fiveyears of the college’s expanded usage.The Community and Economic Development Committee unanimously voted earlierin the month to recommend that the Aldermen approve the deal.
“We are grateful Rutland Redevelopment Authority and the Board of Aldermenare supportive of CSJ and our anticipated growth and expansion,” said CSJPresident Richard Lloyd.
CSJ is anticipating a need for a new dorm and dining hall, as well as changesto pathways and entryways in the next several years.The city has adopted a number of business incentive policies over the pastseveral years, which can serve to lower initial costs and incentivizebusiness growth and expansion for new and existing businesses.
“The water usage incentive was developed to encourage just the type ofinvestment CSJ is currently planning. The city looks forward to continuingto support and encourage the college, and other new businesses, to invest andgrow in Rutland City,” said Rutland City Mayor Chris Louras.
The Water/Wastewater Rate Reduction Incentive that CSJ was awarded wasdeveloped last year as a means of reducing costs for qualifying businessesutilizing more than 1,000 gallons per day. The incentive utilizes RutlandCity’s robust water and wastewater infrastructure and is a unique benefitthe city can offer to new high volume water users.
The Rutland Redevelopment Authority serves as the economic development entityfor Rutland City and works to facilitate growth and expansion for Rutlandbusinesses.
“We are thrilled to be able to assist College of St. Joseph in theirexpansion plans. Rutland City strives to be the most business friendlydestination in Vermont and this is an example of our willingness to help newor existing businesses to grow and succeed,” said Brennan Duffy, RRAExecutive Director.
“The planned investment being considered by CSJ will have a long termpositive benefit to the city as new students and positions are created.Weare pleased to be able to assist the college and allow their expansionplanning process to continue,” said Board of Aldermen President WilliamNotte.
He said Rutland City encourages industrial and commercial growth to inspire a strongeconomy and create employment opportunities through programs such as theWater and Wastewater Rate Reduction Incentive, property tax stabilizationpolicies, and other innovative business incentive programs.
Source: College of St Joseph. 4.22.2015