Being prepared for opportunity when opportunity comes is critical in the world of economic
development argues Freeport Mayor Jodi Miller. Having acreage, a building, or a site available
and already prepared for development can mean the difference between a development getting the greenlight.

“Having developable sites that are ‘shovel-ready’ for future economic development will be key
as Freeport looks to retool its local economy,” says Mayor Miller. “Shovel-ready sites will help
Freeport get the leg up in moving quickly in attracting future industry and commercial
interests.”

Mayor Miller explains that Freeport needs to have industrial, commercial, and residential sites
that have already been cleared of environmental concerns, have infrastructure already in place,
and have had minimal land issues like proper drainage already addressed. Sometimes ‘shovel-
ready’ sites have initial planning already completed before they are offered on the market.
 

“Freeport has several parcels of land surrounding the city that already has infrastructure like
water, wastewater, and transportation systems either available already or near it,” says Mayor
Miller. “It’s time to take the next step and begin planning for how we can best create more sites
ready for development.”