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Show HILLTOP TIMES TIMES April 10,2007 Falcon Hill National Aerospace Research North — Roy Gate Park generates strong contractor interest BY MARY LOU GORNY Hilltop Times Interim Editor ien contacted about the response contractors had for the Hill AFB West Side Development generated at a recent contractor-focused requirements symposium, Bruce Evans, enhanced-use lease program manager, responds with enthusiasm. Not only is the project the largest enhanced-use leasing program in Department of Defense history, but current plans include a new freeway interchange at 1800 North in Sunset to access Hill Air Force Base, and he forecasts the project may bring as many as 15,000 new high-paying jobs to the area. He also points to the potential for two UTA light-rail stations in conjunction with the project. "Phase I alone could attract 10,000 to 15,000 jobs to that development space," said Evans, Plans and Programs Directorate, Ogden Ail* Logistics Center. He reports no significant challenges to the project during the stall in national economic conditions. "Financing is still available, interest in the project is still high," Evans said, although there may be some minor impacts. The two-pronged development with access at both the Roy gate and the west gate provides the best access to the base and will be built simultaneously with an expectation of "two branded, major hotels — one will likely be a long-term stay (hotel) and the other a short-term stay (hotel)." When asked how the contractors responded to presentations at the Hill Requirements Symposium, Evans reported, "The response was very positive. Twelve to 15 contractors approached the developer to discuss space and the project." What the enhanced-use leasing director is quick to emphasize is that the main effort is to attract national businesses to the West Side Development area. "One of the unique things about our project is it is a worldwide and nationwide recruitment effort by our developer," Ev- ans said. Efforts are not focused on relocating tenants from communities nearby such as Layton, Kaysville or Roy. "We are trying to bring them from Washington, Georgia and Alabama, from out of state, in other words, wherever possible," Evans added. Sunset Ridge Development Partners LLC, are the selected commercial developers of the project now called Falcon Hill National Aerospace Research Park. Barring unforeseen obstacles, he expects the parties will sign the master agreement to lease May 29. "There are some things that could go wrong to interfere with that date, but we are quite confident we will get there," Evans said. "As soon as we've signed, the developer will firm up plans and set financing in place so that they can break ground on Air Force and commercial buildings this fall." Evans is quick to praise support from the governor, the county commissions of Weber and Davis counties, the Military Installation Development Authority (MlDA), and the mayors and city councils of the surrounding areas. He expressed his appreciation, calling their efforts "tremendous and critical." "We can say of the negotiations and the effort we've been in since last August, they have been tremendously supportive and cooperative," Evans said. As payment for the land lease, the Air Force will receive up to 600,000 square feet of paid-for office space (inside the gate) for Phase I alone. The military construction value of that space is approximately $180 million. "We believe this is a win-win for the developer, for the Air Force, and for the state and for the local communities. Among other things it allows the military to use some of its precious military construction resources elsewhere," Evans said. Essentially, the project is self-funding a large part of the military construction need through the success of the commercial de- South — West Gate See PARK I page 6 $1 OFF ANY PIZZA COUPON LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER. EXPIRES 4/30/2008 1320 E HWY 193, LAYTON UT. 771-0317 FREE PIZZA! See ACE Hardware next door for details READY PIZZA II All Larg? Biomat USA^ 375 S. State - Clearfield • 825-1999 •; v •• : -. New donors by appointment.%^#, V Earn up to Amazing Service! a Month ;**'. Share the gift of'life. Donate Plasma^ ; We do BDUs! •-•* ,•-* Complete Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service Alterations & Repairs! 1330 East Hw$. 193 #D3 ^ LAYTON 801-390-3272 $25 OFF Any Party Booked in April Party may be scheduled for anytime in the next 12 Months New Donors Receive an EXTRA Must Present Coupon. Biomat USA New donors must arrive by 4 p.m. on weekends and Noon on Saturdays Help Save Lives VrtwM Qfrb C® Boutique Phone# 1240 E. Hwy 193 #G4 Layton, Utah 84040 375 S. State Clearfield, UT H°urs: Mon.-Fri. 8:30-6 801-825-1999 www.grifols.com Sat. 8-2 oo |