COATC.com News from 2005
News from the Central Ohio Aerospace and Technology Center in 2005

December 14, 2005
Port Budget Commits $3.8 Million For Capital Projects
At its regular year-end Board meeting, the Port Authority slated over $3.8 million for capital improvement projects in 2006. The list includes Base Campus modernization projects, South Campus infrastructure upgrades, and possible real property acquisitions. Monitor the various projects online.

November 28, 2005
$10 Million Port Bond Financing Considered
For the fifth time in four years, the Port Authority is pondering use of its tax exempt bond issuing capability for the benefit of an economic development project. The proposed $10 million bond issue for Licking Memorial Hospital will be the subject of a December 13 public hearing.

October 24, 2005
IEDC Economic Development Journal Profiles COATC
Saying, "A facility founded for its ground stability proves to serve as the basis for workforce and economic stability," the International Economic Development Council published an article on the COATC titled Stability, Solid as Bedrock."

October 24, 2005
In The News
Business First comments on the Port Authority's success at COATC this year, including completion of the major new roadway project and lease renewals.

October 19, 2005
Infrastructure Improvements Completed
With a new 4,200 foot roadway now drivable and an additional 120 acres now accessible, the project to bring the COATC South Campus its first major infrastructure improvements in over 50 years is now complete.

October 3, 2005
Infrastructure Improvements Continue
A project to bring the COATC South Campus its first major infrastructure improvements in over 50 years is now 95% complete. Only berms, grading, and seeding remain to complete this important project. Meanwhile, engineering is underway on the next roadway project that also includes major water and sewer upgrades.

September 21, 2005
Port Authority Pioneer Among Governments
The Port Authority continues to demonstrate its skills as a property manager. Sales revenue from auction sales have gone up 2.5 times since a move to online auctions. The Port Authority was among the first local governments in Ohio to move online. There are now over 60.

September 7, 2005
COATC Electric Rates Lowest of Lowest
A recently-published chart comparing electric utility rates in Ohio showed Licking County to be among the lowest in Ohio. Ohio is considered to have among the lowest rates in the nation. Thus, COATC is among the lowest of the lowest for electric charges.

August 22, 2005
Roadway Extension Advances
A project to bring the COATC South Campus its first major infrastructure improvements in over 50 years nears completion. Paving work is expected in early September.

August 2, 2005
Aerospace Industry Touted
A study commissioned by the State's Ohio Aerospace and Defense Council recognizes the importance of the industry to Ohio's economy. Most notably, the study found that Ohio's aerospace employees ranked 1st among 12 comparable states for productivity.

July 13, 2005
Boeing Extends Lease
Recognizing its "partnership" with the Port Authority, Boeing agreed to a $15 million, five-year renewal of its lease in Heath. The renewal was a win-win for Boeing and the Port Authority.

June 28, 2005
Port Authority National Recognition Highlighted
Over the past several years, the Port Authority has been recognized for its performance under its core mission of management, development, and leadership.

June 20, 2005
Widened St. Rt. 79 Now Open
An $18 million project to widen State Route 79 from Heath to I-70 is now open. The widening means the COATC South Campus enjoys four-lane (sometimes five-lane) access to the interstate just five miles away.

June 15, 2005
Port Authority Moves on $13 Million 10-Year Plan
The Port Authority Board of Directors, at its regular June meeting, accepted the 10-year capital improvements plan which calls for $13 million in capital investment through the Year 2014. The plan includes upgrade and modernization of the Port Authority's Base Campus facilities as well as investment in installing infrastructure to the new South Campus.

May 19, 2005
Retro On Target Highlights Success Story
A retro version of On Target appeared in print to tell the success story of both The Base and the Port Authority. The Port Authority celebrated its 10-year anniversary May 18, 2005.

May 4, 2005
Boeing Expansion Highlighted
The Boeing Company's $4.2 million AWACS-ESM expansion project was highlighted in the May 2005 edition of Site Selection magazine. The magazine highlighted the importance of the project to Ohio saying, "Boeing represent[s] exactly the kind of high-tech jobs Ohio covets." The Port Authority was also an advertiser in this national publication.

May 3, 2005
Roadway Project Underway
A project to improve and extend Kaiser Drive in Heath from St. Rt. 79 to a center point on the new COATC South Campus has begun. The project brings the first major improvements to this piece of property in over 50 years. The project, funded in part by a state grant under the Third Frontier Program, is expected to completed by August. Guests are invited to watch the progress using the Port Authority's innovative Project Cam system which provides two web-controllable, wireless, solar-powered cameras watching the project 24/7.

March 27, 2005
Licking County is Booming[PDF]
The Advocate editorializes about the "unmistakable steady stream of good economic news" in the industrial and retail sectors of the local economy under the headline "County Enjoying Booms in All Areas."

March 18, 2005
COATC Makes Central Ohio Top 25 Industrial Park Listing
Columbus Business First today published their annual list of the Top 25 largest industrial parks in Central Ohio. COATC was the newcomer to this year's list, emerging as 18th. The COATC's new status came about through an agreement with Kaiser Aluminum where they now consider themselves part of the COATC and, of course, the Port Authority's 2002 purchase of land.

March 9, 2005
ST. Rt. 79 Widening Nears Completion
Independence Day is the latest target date for completion of the 5-lane widening of State Route 79 from Hebron to Heath. The COATC is among the beneficiaries of this huge capital investment by ODOT and the City of Heath. The project gives COATC much improved highway access to I-70.

March 4, 2005
Boeing Expansion Proceeds
As part of a ceremony with Ohio Gov. Bob Taft, The Boeing Company made it official--the AWACS project is coming to the COATC. A package of incentives called "aggressive" and "creative" by Boeing officials and Gov. Taft aided the $4.2 million expansion of Boeing's operations.

February 14, 2005
Popular Science: Columbus Area is Wired
Columbus Business First reports that a national magazine ranks the Columbus metro area as the seventh-most wired in the country based on criteria including wireless hot spots and local government use of technology.

February 8, 2005
Port Authority Adds to Economic Development Tool Box
Legislation requested by the Port Authority and promoted by Sen. Jay Hottinger was signed into law by Governor Taft. The law change allows port authorities to offer linked deposits as a creative financing tool to attract private capital investment.

February 7, 2005
A Day in the Life of The Base
Want to know what a typical day is like on the COATC's Base Campus? An online PowerPoint presentation takes a look at 24 hours at The Base.

January 31, 2005
Incentives Approved for Boeing Expansion
A package of state incentives to aid with the expansion of The Boeing Company, the largest employer at the COATC, received approvals. Official word on Boeing's expansion decision is expected soon.

January 4, 2005
Boeing Reviews Possible Expansion at COATC
The Boeing Company, the largest employer at the COATC, is eyeing an expansion which would greatly solidify their presence at the COATC. The news went public following a meeting of Heath City Council where an application for an enterprise zone tax exemption was considered. A site decision is expected by the end of January.

See the 2004 News Archive.

See the 2003 News Archive.

See the 2002 News Archive.

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