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Economic Development Report
by Linda Sturtz, Chamber of Commerce Director and Economic
Development Director
1-7-02
Maquoketa has seen a great deal of interest in the
community in the past couple of months. Several commercial and
retail investors, such as fast food restaurants, motels, and truck
stops have made contacts. The intersection of old Highway 61 and the
new four-lane Highway 61 has been the prime target. The development
and occupancy of the Highway 61 industrial park have spurred this
interest.
Information on the community and available
buildings have also been a source of inquiry. 5,000 to 10,000 square
foot buildings seem to be at a premium as this is the size most of
inquiries are for.
A dedication ceremony for the NOAA Weather Radio
Station, which has come to Jackson County and Northeast Iowa, was
held on December 6. This radio station broadcasts National Weather
Service warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information
24 hours a day. We are pleased to have this service to our area.
The Maquoketa Housing Committee, which was formed
as a result of the Housing Assessment Survey conducted earlier this
year, has been meeting regularly to discuss housing needs in
Maquoketa. Affordable housing is at the top of the list of
recommendations. The Committee has identified several areas for
housing development and has been working on programs that may
assist.
Renovation to the local airport prompted us to
conduct a short survey with 15 local plant managers. Three questions
were posed: 1) Was the airport influential in your decision to
locate your plant in Maquoketa? 14 responded no and 1-a low
priority. 2) Does your plant use the airport? 14 said no and 1 said
they use the airport about 4 times per year. Most plants who use an
airport, use the nearby commercial airports. 3) Would you like to
see the airport maintained at its current level, expanded, or do you
have no opinion. 9 responded "no opinion," 5 would like to
see it maintained at its current level, and one would like to see it
expanded. This information will be helpful to the Airport Commission
in making decisions on the airport renovation.
 Family Dollar reports that most of the exterior of
the distribution facility (pictured here) has been completed and concentration on
the interior building will be done in the next few months. The plans
are to be operational by the first of April with some receiving to
begin prior to that. Recruitment fairs and interview sessions have
been held with the response being very favorable.
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