Santa Rosa industrial park company looks to expand, hire


  • September 8, 2015
  • /   Louis Cooper
  • /   economy

A business in the Santa Rosa County Industrial Park is looking to lease additional property for an expansion that could bring new jobs and added economic impact.

An existing company the county is only identifying as "Project Training Day" is looking to lease 18 acres in the East Milton park. Jobs growth from existing businesses is one of the key drivers of economic development in communities.

"The property is needed for a training area to simulate field conditions for certifications in CDL, flagging, first aid and digger derrick (heavy equipment)," Economic Development Director Shannon Ogletree said in a report to the Santa Rosa County Commission. "The requested property has been on the market for many years with little to no interest to buyers due to the undesirable conditions of the land."

The Santa Rosa County Commission discussed advertising the land for lease at its meeting Tuesday. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. at the Santa Rosa County Administrative Office Complex, located at 6495 U.S. 90, Milton (behind McDonald's). The agenda for the meeting is available at http://www.santarosa.fl.gov/agendas/9-8-15back-up.pdf. The meeting is broadcast online at http://www.santarosa.fl.gov//bocc/BOCC_Calendar/.

The first meeting of the week was moved from Monday to Tuesday because of the Labor Day holiday. Generally, the commission’s first meeting of the week – called a “committee” meeting – are used to discuss items and set the agenda for Thursday’s regular meeting where final decisions are usually made.

The company will pay to clear the land and obtain all necessary permits to build a simulation of an electrical substation and power poles for the on-hands portion of lineman school.

"The project is expected to add 10 new employees over a three year period with an average wage of well above 150 percent of the average county wage," Ogletree wrote.

Within four years, the company estimates student spending in the county on expenses like meals and housing could have a $100,000 annual impact on the Santa Rosa County economy. The expansion could have a more long term impact on the county, as well.

"Project Training Day would like to make Santa Rosa County their headquarters for training if an agreement can be made for leasing the property," Ogletree said.

Ogletree's report did not include a proposed lease fee.

 
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