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Council authorizes staff to prepare land-grant paperwork for Project Oak, a proposed $4.5M manufacturing investment
Summary
Council authorized staff to draft land-grant documentation and an interlocal agreement with Beaufort County to support Project Oak — a proposed 60,000-square-foot facility expected to invest $4.5 million and create 50 jobs — and to bring the paperwork back for public hearing and final approval.
The Washington City Council voted Feb. 14 to authorize city staff to draft documentation that could lead to granting city-owned land to a prospective manufacturer dubbed “Project Oak.” Beaufort County Economic Development Director Martyn Johnson told council the proposed facility would be about 60,000 square feet, would represent approximately $4.5 million in capital investment and is expected to create about 50 jobs in the city.
Under the staff recommendation, the city would request Beaufort County act as the city’s agent in paperwork related to the land grant under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-461 and § 158-7.1; the agreements would be drafted and brought back to council for a public hearing and final approval. Staff noted that if Project Oak fails to meet capital investment and job-creation commitments within three years, the land must be returned to the county and city as a condition of the grant.
By motion of Councilmember Mike Renn, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Richard Brooks, council approved moving forward with Project Oak as presented. The vote was recorded in favor by council members present.
