In a recent meeting of the Hooksett Economic Development Advisory Committee, excitement buzzed through the air as members discussed a potential new development that could significantly impact the town's economy. The spotlight was on Niagara Water, a company with a national presence, which expressed strong interest in establishing operations in Hooksett.

The meeting revealed that Niagara Water representatives had engaged in a two-hour discussion with local officials, exploring the possibility of acquiring a property on the west side of the highway, where a 500,000 square foot building currently stands. The company aims to purchase the land outright, with plans to develop it into a state-of-the-art facility that would feature fully automated operations. This innovative approach promises to streamline production processes, eliminating the need for traditional forklifts and enhancing efficiency.

Members of the committee were particularly impressed by the company's commitment to sustainability, as Niagara Water plans to recycle plastic bottles and produce their own packaging on-site. The facility would initially require a substantial water supply, with phase one projected to need 600,000 gallons per day, potentially making it the largest user of water in the local precinct.

However, the discussions also highlighted challenges. The local water precinct, managed by Village Water, is currently assessing its capacity to meet the demands of this new operation. While the existing wells can support initial phases, there is a pressing need for additional well sites to ensure long-term sustainability. Committee members noted that ongoing efforts to identify new water sources are crucial, not only for Niagara Water but for the community's future water needs.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of urgency was palpable. Niagara Water is exploring other sites in the region, and local officials are eager to finalize arrangements to secure this opportunity for Hooksett. The potential arrival of such a significant business could herald a new era of economic growth for the town, making the upcoming decisions critical for its future.