The Harrison County Commission convened on June 29, 2023, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on updates regarding the Harrison Regional Industrial Park and financial commitments related to ongoing projects.
The meeting commenced with an update from Amy Wilson and Sheena Hans regarding the progress of the Harrison Regional Industrial Park. They reported on a recent board meeting where they toured one of the park's tenants, gaining insights into their operations, employee plans, and any challenges faced with the county. The discussions highlighted that the park is progressing well, with ongoing work on the industrial access road and the submission of the latest quarterly report to the Economic Development Administration (EDA).
Wilson noted that the EDA processes can be lengthy, often taking three to four years to complete. However, she reassured the commission that they are within the five-year window of the grant period for their current project. The team is actively addressing issues with the company involved, aiming to keep the project on track. They anticipate that construction could begin by fall, despite previous delays attributed to supply chain issues.
A significant point of discussion was the bridge loan that the commission had committed to in January 2021, amounting to $1.4 million. The commission is awaiting final cost estimates to determine the exact amount needed for the loan. The initial project cost was estimated at around $895,000, but adjustments may be necessary based on the final design and build-out requirements. The commission expressed concern over the timeline for securing the loan, emphasizing the need for clarity on funding as they manage county resources.
The meeting also included a brief discussion on exoneration and corrective tickets, although details on this topic were not extensively covered in the transcript.
In conclusion, the commission's meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to advance the Harrison Regional Industrial Park while navigating financial commitments and project timelines. The next steps involve finalizing project costs and securing necessary funding to ensure the timely progression of development initiatives in Harrison County.