By JIMMY LAWTON

LOUSIVILLE -- The St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency has voted unanimously to approve a $700,000 loan to the Industrial Development Agency.

The funding will help cover the $1.9 million building being constructed at the Canton Industrial Park on Commerce St., near the St. Lawrence County Jail.

St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency Director Patrick Kelly said the remaining $1.2 million will be funded internally from the IDA and the IDA Local Development Corporation.

River Agency Chairman Robert McNeil, who represents the Town of Lisbon, said the board was in agreement on issuing the loan to help finance the fledgling industrial park.

"It's the first multi-use building in the Canton Industrial Park. It's going to provide a space that can used by businesses and it's going to house offices for the IDA. We felt it a pretty important project," he said.

A portion of the 15,000 square-foot building will be leased to Kenneth M. and Katrina G. Hebb who plan to open the St. Lawrence Brewery in the space. The Hebbs also operate Blackbird Café in downtown Canton.

IDA Director Patrick J. Kelly said approximately 4,000 square feet of the new facility will be used by the IDA staff for office and workspace.

Kelly said the remaining 6,000 square foot area is being marketed in preparation of the building’s opening.

Kelly said the project is slated for completion by end of the year, with the St. Lawrence Brewery expected to move in soon after.