Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Falls Township is looking at the possible addition of a 24-hour freight village support facility that would provide a place for truckers to stop and a create new source of revenue for the municipality.
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During a work session Tuesday evening, the supervisors unanimously authorized planning firm Forward Planning to conduct a study on the viability of the truck stop concept.
The proposed freight village would serve as a regional hub for truckers, offering overnight parking, a weigh station for vehicle inspections, and a variety of amenities such as banking, medical services, retail outlets, and truck repair facilities.
Township Manager Matthew Takita outlined the broad scope of services envisioned for the potential facility.
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In briefing the supervisors, he said the facility would have the potential to significantly contribute to the township’s budget through generated revenue.
“This would be a public/private partnership,” Takita said. “The intent would be for the township to own it. This is our revenue.”
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Supervisors Chairperson Jeff Dence noted what he considered the forward-thinking nature of the plan, adding it could be a strategic move to secure Falls Township’s financial future as landfill revenues are expected to diminish.
“Knowing at some point Falls Township is not going to be able to rely on a landfill to supplement us, Mr. Takita has been looking for ways to generate revenue for Falls Township moving forward,” Dence said. “This is not something that’s going to happen anytime soon. But it’s something we connected with.”
While the exact location for the proposed freight village has yet to be determined, officials believe an industrial area, possibly near the expansive NorthPoint logistics site, would fit best.
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The township’s strategic position with major routes such as Route 1 and Route 13 and its proximity to I-95 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike could make the municipality a prime location for the facility.
The study commissioned by the township will also review similar facilities to identify potential pitfalls and ensure the success of the project.
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Takita noted the “desperate need” for additional regional freight villages in the region.
If the plan moves ahead, Falls Township would seek grant funding from federal, state, and county sources, Takita said.
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The township manager mentioned the project would likely be a public/private partnership, with the township retaining ownership to secure a new source of revenue.
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