[FONT=Verdana]Calling it a major step forward in the quest to develop more shovel-ready land in the region, Erie County, NY Executive Joel Giambra has announced the first step in a plan aimed at bringing a vacant industrial parcel back to life. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana]Giambra says the county will be earmarking more than $1 million toward the demolition and cleanup of the abandoned Spaulding Fibre site in the City of Tonawanda. The property is a 47-acre parcel along Wheeler Street that has been abandoned since 1992. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana]The property includes more than 800,000 square feet of vacant industrial space. The funds will be channeled to the demolition of some of the abandoned buildings, making the property shovel-ready for future development. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana]The sale of the remediated property will help finance the complete demolition and restoration of the complex. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana]The demolition and remediation work is being secured by public sector grants and a $300,000 allocation from National Grid. The Erie County Industrial Development Agency will serve as construction manager for the project. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana]"This is a critical first step in starting the rebirth of this important part of the City of Tonawanda and Erie County," Giambra says. [/FONT]