Erie County Council Discusses Lord TIF Plan - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Erie County Council Discusses Lord TIF Plan

Lord Corporation is a step closer towards combining its two local plants, into a new home in Summit Township.

Tonight, Erie County Council held its first reading, of the TIF plan.  As we've been reporting, it's called tax increment financing.  If approved, it will provide $2.2 million in tax breaks to the company.

The TIF plan is meant to help Lord Corp. move into the old Bush Industries site, in Summit Township.

But now, council members say prevailing wage requirements for workers on the project are causing some concern.  They're worried it will add millions of dollars to the overall cost of the project.

Tonight, Erie County Council Chairman Joe Giles said the clock is ticking, and they must make a decision soon.

"We have a lot at stake," said Giles.  "There isn't anyone in the community who is not aware of how big and how important this project is for our community in terms of jobs and economic development, and the project itself.  And so that's what I think will be the tipping point in terms of what we decide at the end of the month."

Despite those concerns, Giles says council will probably approve the plan.  They're expected to vote on the plan on January 29.