Sussex County purchases 74 acre King Farm to expand industrial park

Sussex County leaders announced Tuesday the county's purchase of 74-acre King Farm to expand the Sussex County Industrial Park.

County officials say that King Farm, a parcel of land east of Georgetown off of Park Avenue, is the most significant addition to the Sussex County Industrial Park since it was originally planned in the early 1970s. The park, part of the Delaware Coastal Airport complex, currently hosts 20 businesses employing 900 people. The new purchase will reportedly add more than 30 acres of new usable space for businesses.

County Administrator Todd F. Lawson says the county purchased the farm for $2.2 million after stepping in when a development plan from another owner failed to materialize. Officials say the deal was finalized last month and that the county has already landed its first tenant for the space: Atlantis Industries of Milton.

"This is more than just adding acreage," County Administrator Lawson said. "This is an expansion of economic development opportunities for businesses and the economy here in Sussex County."

County Engineer Hans Medlarz says as many as 12 lots could be designated inside the addition. Before the land is fully marketable, Sussex County will need to construct streets, drains, natural gas lines, fiber communications and water and wastewater infrastructure. This process could take up to a year, Medlarz said.

Sussex County Council President Michael H. Vincent says this deal will benefit businesses, the economy and Sussex County taxpayers.

"Any time you have a chance to spur job creation, I think that's a good thing," President Vincent said.