Long before Nestle agreed to nestle near Interstate 69’s Exit 22, the city of Anderson had done preliminary studies on the drainage, water and sewer capacities near The Flagship business park, said Board of Public Works Chairman Rob Sparks.

An 880,000-square-foot facility and distribution center will eclipse most or all demands the city has previously met, particularly when it comes to infrastructure capacity.

“This is the largest infrastructure demand we’ve done in Madison County,” said Mary Starkey, executive director of the Corporation for Economic Development.

“It’s too early in the construction process to decide at what capacity the Nestle factory will need for the water and electricity,” said Pam Krebs, Nestle manager in the division of brand affairs.

Starkey said the food plant had “very specific requirements” as far as the amount of electricity and water or traffic flow and the city is working to provide them.

Starkey said since the plant is designed with growth in mind, “they are cautious that we are meeting all of their requests for expansion capabilities.”

Getting Nestle up and running with utilities and other infrastructure will require about $10 million, money that will come from tax increment financing (TIF) bonds, state infrastructure grants and utility fees.

Indeed, the city has taken major leaps in an effort to be ready:

n Over the next three years, $4.8 million from the city utility budget will go to an electrical substation.

“They are a substantial power user,” said Starkey. “A project of this size is so automated and requires ... uninterruptible electrical service.”

n The city, state, CSX Railroad and CED are stakeholders in the single rail spur to be installed by the time Nestle receives an occupancy permit. Design work for the estimated $700,000 project is yet to be completed, according to documents by Connie Smith, city spokeswoman.

n Drainage rerouting plans are under way. Anderson goes before the Madison County Drainage Board July 26 for approval of an open drainage ditch from the proposed Nestle site to Foster’s Branch Creek, due west of the plant. Estimated cost is $650,000, said the city.

n The city plans to install a 12-inch water pipe that comes into the property and will extend to the 73rd Street right of way.

“That’s a minimal expense since lines currently exist,” Sparks said.

n Road work includes making 73rd Street into three lanes from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to County Road 350 West, and extending 73rd Street from 350 West to Layton Road (400 West). There will also be an access road from 73rd Street to 67th Street with completion plans for late next year. The city hopes to ease traffic flow of semitrailer trucks, employees and visitors. Cost is in the neighborhood of $3.3 million.