Development director says PCA project is on time and on budget; rail and traffic work remain

Mark Motter, development director for Newark, updated the council on the PCA manufacturing project, calling it the largest economic development project in Lincoln County and reporting that construction is on schedule and within budget.

Motter said the facility is largely under roof, that crews are pouring deep concrete for heavy manufacturing areas, and that the company expects new equipment to arrive on-site in March. He told the council the company anticipates product starting to roll out early in the third quarter—"probably around August 1," he said.

Motter said the city and county have coordinated tax abatement and enterprise incentives to support the project, and that the city is planning a roundabout at the project entrance plus an additional center turn lane to handle employee and truck traffic. He noted that agreements with the railroad remain outstanding for rail access to the site.

Why it matters: A 525,000-square-foot manufacturing site will affect local employment, traffic patterns and municipal infrastructure; the city is advancing roadwork and negotiating rail access as part of the project.

What officials said: "They're on time. They're on budget," Motter said. He described a primary entrance via a new roundabout and other trafficwork the city will complete to accommodate the facility.

Next steps: Motter said equipment deliveries and internal outfitting will continue; the council did not vote on project incentives tonight but continues coordination with county and state partners.