The Plainview-Hale County Business Park Groundbreaking Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, April 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at the Business Park located on Interstate 27, north of Highway 194 (Dimmitt Highway).
Congressman Jodey Arrrington is scheduled to attend the ceremony as well as U.S. Economic Development Association Representative Trisha Korbis.
Others in attendance include Mayor Wendell Dunlap, Hale County Judge Bill Coleman, Hale County Commissioners, Plainview City Council and the Plainview/Hale County Economic Development Corporation. The public is encouraged to attend.
“I am excited about the opportunity to attract new businesses and jobs to Hale County and my hometown of Plainview,” says Congressman Jodey Arrington. “This is a great example of local, state and federal leaders working together to support rural economics, which are the backbone of this country.”
After the closure of the Cargill beef packing plant in Plainview in February 2013, community leaders met to prioritize what steps would be necessary to recover from the loss of this major employer. The City, County and EDC began discussions to develop a community-owned business park in an effort to diversify the local and regional economy. From there, a joint board was appointed that provided direction and guidance on the layout, construction, and future needs of the Park.
The Plainview - Hale County Business Park was propelled forward when the City and County jointly received a $1,000,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the U.S. Department of Commerce to support the construction of a new Business Park.
With the assistance of EDA, the City and County will be able to complete this project sooner than expected. The City and County will be 50/50 partners for the construction and ongoing maintenance expenses for the Park.
“The Business Park is an essential element to the future growth and economic well-being of our community,” says Hale County Judge Bill Coleman. “The best part is that it has been a joint effort of the City of Plainview, Hale County and the Plainview/Hale County EDC. The combined efforts of all the parties involved and the commitment of community leaders insures that this park will be a success.”
The Business Park area is zoned for commercial and industrial use and approximately half of the 140-acre industrial park will be sub-divided into five and ten acre tracts; the remaining acreage will not be sub-divided under the current phase and will be reserved for future tenant needs.
Located on the Ports-To-Plains Interstate 27 Trade Corridor which links to Interstate 40, the Business Park location is easily accessible to the East and West Coasts. Located 580 miles from the Port of Houston and 550 miles from the World Trade Port of Entry in Laredo, Texas, the Park is also situated on the BNSF Rail Line which runs adjacent to the southern boundary of the Park and is five miles from the regional airport and 45 miles from Preston Smith International Airport.
On March 1st, bids were opened for construction on the Business Park and early in April, the City Council and Hale County Commissioner’s awarded the construction bid of $3.9 million to LoneStar Dirt & Paving. Construction for the Business Park includes sewer lines, water lines, NTS lines, electrical lines, gas lines, drainage easement and paved roads. Construction timetable for the Park is nine months.
“The Ground Breaking of the Business Park is a historic event for Plainview,” says Mayor Wendell Dunlap. “The partnership between the County, EDC and the City along with a grant from EDA has made this a reality and it will be a great day to celebrate this success. Plainview is moving forward and we invite you to be a part of this celebration.”
The Plainview/Hale County Economic Development Corporation will be the lead agency for interested Business Park tenants.
“The ground breaking of this business park begins an exciting new chapter in the economic development and growth of our community,” says Mike Fox, EDC executive director.
For more information about the Plainview – Hale County Business Park, contact Mike Fox, EDC executive director at 806.293.8536 (o), 806.685.8942 (c) or michael.fox@plainviewedc.org.