PAEDC Directors Consider Park Development Options
By David Ball, The Port Arthur News, Texas
Jul. 31–PORT ARTHUR — Directors of the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation listened to possible development plans Wednesday for a 7.25 acre site on Texas 73 that may serve as a future industrial park.
The engineering firm of Arceneaux and Gates presented four development options.
–One design would have a road running on the northeast side of Texas 73 and possibly extending to the southwest corner. Engineer Ron Arceneaux said the estimated cost for this plan is $876,000, which he thought was more costly.
–The next design is similar to the previous one, but with less concrete surrounding the perimeter of the park. Also, the front tier lots would have access to the acreage’s back road. The estimated cost for this plan is $793,000.
–The third option would have a roadway extending from Texas 73 to 42nd Street. Drainage District 7 has a 15-foot ditch on the southeast edge and a bridge would have to be built. Also, an old water treatment plant on the property would have to be demolished. The estimated cost for this project is $1.2 million.
–The final presentation is the “most feasible” according to Arceneaux. The roadway to the northeast would not have to go through completely, saving money. A cul-de-sac in the center of the park would give access to six development tracts. He added the frontage properties would have excellent access. Its estimated cost is $538,000.
The access road southwest of the park allows two-way traffic and Arceneaux would like other governmental entities to speak with the Texas Department of Transportation to allow two-way traffic on the access road up to Ninth Ave. so travelers wouldn’t have to drive to the U.S. 69 cloverleaf and then backtrack to the park. Development plans, however, could still continue even if the two-way lanes aren’t approved by TxDOT.
Directors listened to a presentation on making a contribution to the Regional Economic Development Initiative, REDI, for regional economic development in Jefferson, Orange and Hardin counties. The contribution amount was unspecified and left up to the PAEDC directors how much they wished to give. The funding would be for one year. REDI would be one entity with one director.
Some directors asked what benefit it would be for the PAEDC to join REDI. Floyd Batiste, PAEDC chief executive officer, responded by saying Port Arthur would be part of a regional economy.
“We can’t stand alone,” he said. “We miss a lot by not having a regional focus. We can’t support an industry based on the demographics of Port Arthur alone.”
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Copyright (c) 2008, The Port Arthur News, Texas
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