The Adams County Alliance is embarking on a significant spring cleaning endeavor at the former CM Metals Gettysburg Foundry site, a key part of the revitalization efforts in the Greenmount Growth Area of Cumberland Township. The property, once hampered by environmental issues due to improper disposal of aluminum metals causing ground and water contamination, had remained dormant and unusable for over 25 years. However, recent actions by the Alliance’s Adams County Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA) are set to change this scenario.
The Alliance, through ACIDA, successfully acquired the nearly 50-acre site at a public auction, overcoming challenges posed by longstanding Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) liens that previously made reclamation economically unfeasible. This acquisition is part of a broader initiative to stimulate economic development and address infrastructural deficits that have hindered business expansion in the area.
Preparations for cleaning and rehabilitating the site are now underway, with the Alliance pursuing federal and state grants to cover the substantial cleanup costs. The effort symbolizes a larger ‘spring cleaning’ of unused and contaminated lands to make them viable for business use and beneficial for the local community.
The strategic focus on such projects is supported by the Alliance’s Investors—members from the local business community who contribute annually to enable the organization’s mission. With an annual contribution suggestion of just $200 from municipalities, the Alliance emphasizes affordability and value in its service offerings, fostering robust partnerships essential for Adams County’s ongoing economic and ecological health.