Avard Rail Park Authority

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Avard Rail Park is located in Woods County. The purpose of this project is to expand its capacity by further developing the infrastructure and available industry sites to allow for economic growth and job creation/expansion in Woods County. The Rail Park Authority is a public authority of the Woods County government. To date, the Rail Park Authority has greatly enhanced regional economic growth and job creation, and has allowed for existing businesses to reduce costs by providing direct rail access to raw materials which can be off-loaded at the rail. This proposed ARPA project is seeking funding support to enable the Avard Rail Park Authority to expand its water and electric lines, and perform the construction necessary to develop additional sites which will allow existing and new businesses and industries to locate at the Rail Park. Currently, the Rail Park Authority has a new industry, waiting to locate at the park, which will create up to 14 jobs immediately. Infrastructure and site development costs have increased substantially due to Covid, which has negatively impacted the Rail Park Authority's ability to develop additional infrastructure and site build-outs.

EVIDENCE

According to the Economic Development Council and USDA Research Service, rural rail parks and industrial parks must be adequately built out with utilities and other site amenities to provide the necessary incentives for businesses and industries to locate in a community. The Avard Rail Park Authority is the only Rail Park within 70 miles. In order for businesses and industry to maximize rail shipping, thereby reducing costs of goods and raw materials, it is essential that the Rail Park Authority prepare locations to attract new business and industry and provide opportunities for expansion by existing businesses and industries. These businesses and industries bring jobs and economic stability to the region. From 2010 to 2020, Woods County saw a substantial decrease in median household income. This trend is not the direction this region needs to go. Livable wages is imperative for this region to grow economically.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The pandemic has created economic difficulties for families and individuals due to job loss, economic shut-downs, supply chain difficulties, and loss of childcare and education options. The Northwest region of Oklahoma has experienced many of these issues, just as the remainder of the country has experienced. The number of households that are experiencing significantly reduced incomes as a result of job loss and loss of childcare options has impacted household income, on average approximately $10,000. per household per year. Blue collar jobs and essential industry jobs have been lost in recent years, and most significantly due to Covid. The jobs created at the Avard Rail Park will improve employment opportunities, while increasing the available number of business sites at which future industries and businesses can locate.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Evaluation Metrics that will be tracked by the Avard Rail Park Authority: # of industries/jobs created per year miles of water line installed # of electric transformers and miles of line installed # of business and industry sites completed and ready for move-in

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma