03-26-2002Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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P20020171 49:15 A.M. GARY HEDMAN SOUTHERN PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT PRESENTATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION - Gary Hedman General Manager with Southern Public Power District was present. He stated that it is not uncommon for utility districts to actively pursue economic development and recruit large users of electricity. He stated that Columbus, Nebraska has added 1,000 new jobs with four companies that were attracted by the Loup Public Power District. SPPD recently held a meeting to discuss the property at Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant and the possibility of using this property for economic development. At this meeting there were representatives from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the Hall County Economic Development Corporation. They arranged a bus tour of the area at CAAP and voted to request that tracts 26,27,37 and 38 be designated to Southern Public Power District for heavy industrial use. The SPPD board was present to show support along with Hall County Economic Development Director Monty Montgomery, a representative from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and a representative from Northern Public Power District. Hedman stated that their motives are public not private and they have a vision for growth for the community. The availability of the rail lines is also important to SPPD and NPPD. Discussion was held on the ownership of the rail lines. Hall County Economic Development Director Monty Montgomery stated that the CAAP property is better suited for heavy industrial development. The development does not happen overnight. They have projections for one to five years and it is not unusual to project five to ten years out. Any industry will add to the tax rolls. Discussion was held on designation to SPPD and if that would affect the tax status. Eriksen reminded the board members that if the property is not used government use it would be taxable. Clayton Lukow, SPPD board member spoke in support of the designation. He stated that this would be and ideal location for an industrial site. Jeffries questioned if any definite decision had been made by NPPD on the location of a power plant. Jeffries and Arnold both stated that they would like to see this plant built. Logan questioned how the rail lines would be used. Jeffries stated that he thought this was addressed in the resolution designating the property to DTE. Logan stated that he felt the motion not to designate land at CAAP was short sited and it has been changed three times. Clayton Lukow stated the he would be disappointed if NPPD does not choose CAAP as a site for a power plant. Greg Beam with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development was present. He stated that they are pleased to support the Southern Public Power District's request. He stated that they believe that this could be one of the premier industrial sites in Nebraska. The rail lines access to the interstate highway, the expansive area that can be developed and there is no residential development close by. The access to utilities and skilled labor makes this and excellent opportunity to pursue. We need to look at the long-term vision and a comprehensive plan. He has toured the state looking at ethanol production sites and this is site has excellent attributes. He urged the county board to consider the proposal for the development of this as a heavy industrial site. Hartman questioned where they were six or seven years ago. He stated that they should have been there. Mr. Hedman stated that they had talked to Rick Noel before and because of the contamination from the RDX plume they didn't think the property would be available. Dennis Hall, the Economic Development Director for Northern Public Power District was present. He stated that their mission is to enhance the quality of life in Nebraska. They support the vision of Southern Public Power for the industrial development of this land. 3