We are planning for the future. Preparing sites to help attract advanced manufacturing companies to come to Northwest Florida. The Bluffs is a concept to help us be more competitive for new jobs. Our per capita income for Escambia County is $38,000 per year. For state of Florida $42,000. We are a bit behind. Average Manufacturing wage in Florida is $63,000. These are good jobs that will help boost our per capita income. Only about 2 percent of jobs in Escambia County are manufacturing. For Florida only 4 percent. Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi 8 12 percent. We need to broaden our job base by helping to bring in more advanced manufacturing jobs. This is about planning ahead, this is about creating jobs for our children and grandchildren and this is about making sure the environment plays an important role in how we move forward. In a recent quality of life survey the number one issue people identified for our county was improving our economy. And 65 percent of the people surveyed rated economic conditions in Escambia County as negative. The Bluffs concept is all about helping to change these perceptions. 1
The Bluffs includes four areas or four parks in a corridor that runs from the intersection of Becks Lake Road and Highway 29 on the north to property just south of the Ascend plant on the south. All of the parks are on property owned by ECUA or Ascend and all of the property is zoned industrial. The concepts and drawings for the Bluffs are not just pretty pictures. They are based on engineering studies that have been completed to considered storm water runoff, wetland protection, site elevations, protecting and enhancing the existing environment, and other development principles and requirements. And, these concepts are based on what companies are looking for when they think about new plants and facilities Quality workplace for employees and quality sites that help them make and deliver their products efficiently and effectively. We think the Bluffs offers that unique combination. 2
Here are the key elements of the plan. Successful industries already exist in this corridor. From International Paper on the north to the ECUA Water Reclamation Plant, to Ascend Advanced Manufacturing to Gulf Power s Plant Crist to UWF The Bluffs concept is really just filling in the gaps along this existing corridor. The best communities plan for growth. It doesn t just happen here and there. As you will see, the existing infrastructure in this corridor has almost every element an industry would need natural gas lines, large electrical lines, water wells and reclaimed water, available processed steam, rail access, barge access, and proximity to a four lane road that leads to Interstate 10 and Interstate 65 all on a bluff that is more than 100 feet above sea level. So far the funding to do the studies has come from the Florida Department of Equal Opportunity (DEO) and we are seeking more funding is being sought. 3
This has been and will continue to be a team effort. Important organizations that want to see quality growth for our area. 4
Four partners along this corridor. Each has valuable contributions toward helping grow jobs in this corridor. This is a collaborative effort. In Total we have 1,791 acres of developable land. 5
These are some of the elements that make this an attractive and we think successful place to grow jobs. Having a university nearby is very helpful. Industries need workforce training, research and intellectual assistance all tied into UWF. 6
And so we have laid these areas out into four sections (green areas) each with some unique assets for certain types of companies. We want to be able to provide a wide range of possible sites so that we can be attractive to a wide range of companies. And we have given each area a name Live Oak Bluffs, Long Leaf Bluffs, Magnolia Bluffs and Cypress Bluffs. Certainly this is part of the marketing of the sites. We know companies want to locate in areas with pleasant surroundings and attractive names. 7
Live Oak Bluff A little more than 500 acres. Closest to US 29. Road Access. Rail Access 13 sites 7 30 acres smaller companies. 8
Long Leaf Bluff 580 acres Larger buildings particularly if they need rail. Some access to Becks Lake Road but new road required. Rail Access possible for eight of the sites. Adjacent to major power transmission 12 parcels up to 53 acres 9
Magnolia Bluff 258 acres 3 parcels 23 to 55 acres Road, Rail and barge Access Major utility access Good place for Ascend supplier or customer 10
Cypress Bluff 505 Acres Rail access Needs new road access Medium to Large companies 11
We believe if we plan for growth, we can better manage the growth. We can have the right growth, in the right place in the right way,. This helps in permitting, site certification, and protecting the environment. No surprises for business or community. Already an industrial and manufacturing center. Filling in the blanks. Existing assets make adding jobs less expensive. Companies want to locate in well thought out locations the prior planning helps answer their questions and provides a comfort level that makes us more competitive. 12
A tool for prosperity for our children and grandchildren. 15,000 new jobs, -- of all types can be accommodated. Small tech companies, large distribution companies, aircraft assembly, green energy companies, advanced manufacturing jobs, industrial processes. We can cast a wide net for new jobs. The best companies with the best jobs. 13
The companies already in this corridor have a strong environmental record. By planning ahead we can ensure that this record continues. The concepts include extending nature trails and maybe even a visitor s center and other recreational possibilities hiking, cycling. Your input on these issues would be most welcomed as we move forward. Wetlands are protected and preserved. Storm water runoff is addressed. By planning the entire corridor at once, we can ensure environmental safeguards are in place. 14
We are very much on the front end of developing these concepts. There are still a lot of questions we have yet to answer. That s why we are gathering feedback. This is 10 to 20 years out in terms of making the concepts a complete reality. We have submitted preliminary plans to the county basically what you have seen tonight so that they can begin to look at permitting and other issues. We are working with the state of Florida for support. Enterprise Florida the state agency in charge of economic development, believes these concepts represent a great opportunity to bring manufacturing jobs to Florida. You can go to the web site at any time and make suggestions or ask questions. 15