COOLSPRING TWP, Mercer County — Growth on Route 208 near the Prime Outlets is continuing, but the 79-80 Interstate Development Corporation wants to see more.

There could be $3 billion of economic expansion over the next 20 years if the area becomes fully developed, according to Tim Wachter, an Erie County attorney who is consulting with the IDC. He spoke Friday at it’s annual meeting.

“We’re well on our way to achieving it,” Wachter told about 50 people at the Mercer County Career Center.

“This isn’t just a Springfield Township issue. This is a regional issue,” Wachter said.

In 2013, there were $28 million in earnings that came out of jobs in the township.

“This isn’t just the outlet mall. This is every job,” Wachter said.

The earnings are distributed throughout the region, he said, including outside of the state

As the corridor continues to develop, Wachter said more jobs will be created and more earnings will come from them. He notes that although most of these jobs are retail or tourism, the earnings still totaled $28 million.

“What we’re seeing is that we’ve got an economic engine here that’s ready to grow,” Wachter said.

Economic analysis done last year showed that there are many proposed businesses to come in. Wachter said businesses are moving in right now.

Candlewood Suites is going in along Route 208 near the outlet mall. The Amish Peddler will be move to the area. Springfield Commons, a strip mall to be on a 60 acres next to the outlet mall, also is being worked on.

A TownePlace Suites by Marriot is proposed for the area, and a Timber Creek Tap and Table brew pub also is supposed to move in as well.

“These projects are in active development at this time,” Wachter said.

Off Route 258 in Liberty Township, a Living Treasures animal park is proposed for a 140-acre lot. Wachter said that area is chosen because of the development potential on Route 208 and because of the number of people who already come there.

He said that construction alone is expected to generate $9.5 million in wages.

In the first full year of operation from these possible developments, he said that there is expected to be 850 jobs, $105 million in economic output and an $34 million in additional tax revenue. He said the Grove City School District could get an additional $22.8 million in property taxes from the development.