FedEx Ground Plans Distribution Center At Sparrows Point

DUNDALK, Md. (WJZ) -- A major announcement for Sparrows Point. FedEx Ground will build a new warehouse on the property.

It's the first step in a ten year plan to transform the area into a global commerce hub, bringing thousands of jobs to Baltimore County.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the impact.

County officials hope FedEx is just one of many companies that will bring desperately needed jobs to Sparrows Point.

Once a thriving steel mill with 30,000 employees, Sparrows Point has turned into a shadow of what it was.

"It's incredible. Everybody's lost their job. It's just, it's insane."

But now, there is new hope for the community, as FedEx Ground announces they'll build a 300,000 square foot warehouse on the property.

It's all part of Tradepoint Atlantic's plan to transform the area into a massive global logistics center.

"The real opportunity here is to create something here that can be the same source of pride that the mill was," said Mike Pedone, Tradepoint Atlantic.

Officials hope to create a transit facility larger than the Port of Baltimore. The new FedEx warehouse is just the start.

"They're bringing 150 distribution center jobs to Sparrows Point," said Kevin Kamenetz, Baltimore County Executive.

Officials hope the new Tradepoint Atlantic site could bring about 10,000 new jobs to the area.

"There is a definite emotional attachment from our community to this property because it meant so much to so many people," said Baltimore County Councilman Todd Crandell.

For Councilman Crandell, whose father worked at Bethlehem Steel for 49 years, this redevelopment is personal.

"There is a renewed sense of hope that we can be that economic engine for the region that we used to be," said Crandell.

People living in the area agree.

"It would probably bring some more people back around, some more establishment. Brings more people back to Sparrows Point," one man said.

A community that's been hit hard with the loss of an iconic landmark.

The FedEx facility is expected to open in August of 2017.

The warehouse will be FedEx's third location in Baltimore County.