Greene County commissioners approve bids for business incubator at Silveus Building
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The Greene County commissioners took a step toward turning the Silveus Building in Waynesburg into an incubator aimed at helping start-up businesses.
On Thursday, the three-person board approved a general contracting bid in the amount $1.7 million to Waller Corporation, a $479,000 HVAC contract to Hranac Sheet Metal, and a $607,000 electrical contract to Westmoreland Electric. All three were the lowest bids, and recommended by Remington & Vernick Engineers, the firm overseeing the project.
“The Silveus Building project is a business incubator initiative we’re working on with Waynesburg University and other businesses to help young, entrepreneurs in Greene County,” said Commissioner Mike Belding.
He estimated it would take “another two years or so” before all the work is done, and the incubator is ready to open its doors.
Money for the work comes from a grant received by county as part of the 2022 federal spending package.
Once completed, the incubator will provide workspaces, services, access to industry experts and mentors to foster development of early-stage companies and create new jobs in the county.
The 30 W. High St. building was constructed in 1926. It was purchased by the county in 2019, with the intention of using it for county purposes before plans shifted to its use as a business incubator. Before the incubator can open, however, the building needs modifications and repairs.
In other business, water and waste company, the EADS Group, submitted notification to commissioners of their intent to apply for permit coverage from the state Department of Environmental Protection for the filter media replacement project at East Dunkard Water Authority.
The recent sale from East Dunkard Water Authority to Pennsylvania American Water for $5 million won’t be finalized until 2024; however, Pennsylvania American Water has said they plan to invest more than $17 million in infrastructure improvements and upgrades.