Foster Means of Regional Competitiveness

*Not enough years of data available for some indicators
in this grouping to come up with an accurate Overall Rating.

Number of Pre-Permitted & Shovel-Ready Sites or Buildings within the Region that are ready for Development

Description:

Pre-permitting and shovel-ready designations are made to increase the expediency of development on properties by reducing the amount of work necessary between the purchase of land and the start of building.  Sites with pre-permitting need only the final site plan review and permitting related to environmental preservation (if applicable).  This process can take up to 90 days to complete.  Sites are designated shovel-ready after all permits have been acquired and a complete build out analysis has been completed.  The only steps still necessary are acquiring a building permit and making minor amendments to prior permits if necessary.  This process takes up to 30 days.  The data on this indicator is only available for 2006; therefore, there is not yet an annual trend to be analyzed.  The data will continue to be tracked for comparison in future years.

Data Source:  WestMass Development Corporation

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Annual Dollar Value of Transportation Improvement Projects Advertised for Bid that Rely on Federal and/or State Financial Resources

Description:

Transportation Improvement Projects included in this value are highway improvement projects identified through the Transportation Improvement Program report by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and advertised by Mass Highway.  Between 2004 and 2005, the total value of transportation improvement projects advertised for the Pioneer Valley increased from $44,999,282 to $58,475,978 representing a 29.9% change.  While Franklin County had a decrease of 20.1%, Hampden County had an increase of 41.6% and Hampshire County had an increase of 80.3 percent. 

Data Source: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and Franklin Regional Council of Governments

Indicator Trend Percent Change Rating 29.9%

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Estimated Percentage of Municipalities with Some Access to High Speed Internet Service for Business & Residents

Description:

The percentage of municipalities with some access to high speed internet service for business and residents includes all cities and towns that have some level of access to high speed internet service.  This includes municipalities that are considered “served” and “under served,” but not those who have no access to high speed internet and are considered “un-served.”  Household or Business-level data is not available to determine a precise number of residents or businesses with access to broadband.  The data on this indicator has just started to be tracked in 2006; therefore, there is not yet an annual trend to be analyzed.  The data will continue to be tracked for comparison in future years.

Data Source: Pioneer Valley Connect

Indicator Trend N/A– Data on high speed internet access are only available for 2006 thus far, so there is not yet an annual trend to be analyzed.

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