Bolivar named development-ready city

Missouri is inviting companies looking to build new projects to check out the city of Bolivar.

The Bolivar Business Park, a 73-acre site located in a foreign trade zone, was named a Missouri Certified Site by the state Department of Economic Development, according to a news release.

“Having shovel-ready sites with water, sewer and electric infrastructure in place increases our ability to market the region to businesses outside the state, and while a lot of time and effort goes into gaining this certification, it certainly speaks to our dedication to businesses, both new and existing,” Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Morrow said in the release.

Other state-certified sites locally are Partnership Industrial Center West in Springfield, Trogdon Industrial Park in Republic and the Branson Commerce Park. There are 31 statewide, according to DED.Mo.gov.

The certified sites meet standards that minimize risk and speed up the process for businesses to build projects. Criteria include access to utilities and sites, environmental concerns, land-use conformance and potential development costs, according to the release.

“This certification sends a message that we’re open for business,” said Rob Dixon, acting DED director, in the release.

At the Bolivar Business Park, the price per acre is nearly $20,000 and the entire 73 acres are for sale at $1.45 million, according to the application submitted to become a certified site.