Staff Writer
Coming up with the plan to develop Cecil Field over the next 10 years was the easy part for Jacksonville Aviation Authority officials.
Making it work will be the challenge.
On Monday, JAA board members approved the planned Cecil Field development strategy for 2010-20.
Presented by Bob Simpson, JAA Cecil Field senior director, the three-tiered strategy includes sustaining and growing existing businesses; attracting new business; and creating a logistics hub for the 6,000-acre airport portion of the former Cecil Field Naval Air Station.
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority controls that portion of the former naval air station. The city of Jacksonville owns most of the remaining property to develop Cecil Commerce Center.
As for the first tier, the report states that “existing businesses at Cecil Field are considered to be prime candidates for local job creation and economic development.”
The report suggests strengthening and expanding incentive packages for current tenants to grow, instead of just luring outside businesses, in addition to directing such assistance packages to companies that supply Cecil Field’s tenants. Assistance at the federal, state and local levels to such companies would help offset infrastructure costs, it said.
The authority’s success with Cecil Field has caused a good news-bad news situation.
“The good news is everything (developed, renovated land and infrastructure) is leased out,” said Simpson. “The bad news is, everything is leased out.”
The second part of the strategy is to attract new businesses. Three parcels with existing infrastructure in the high-density northwest portion are not leased, said Simpson. The strategic plan calls for expansion into 150 acres north and east.
Simpson said northern sections along 103rd Street would be developed as “destination retail” while land in the east would attract new businesses and be “pad ready” for development.
The third part of the strategy calls for Cecil Field to be a global logistics hub to capitalize on present and future transportation modes.
A struggling economy has affected air cargo, the report states, but demand has historically grown at twice the rate of worldwide gross domestic product. This strategic tier is considered to be the longest-range and most challenging of the three
To accomplish these goals, the plan calls for the formation of several themed groups within the JAA to make progress on each tier.
Financial development, political support and industry alliance groups will seek to bolster relationships with their respective targets.
Financial development consists of identifying, coordinating and developing competitive incentive packages. Simpson said Florida is behind in such incentives.
The political development group will seek to reach local, state and federal decision makers.
The industry group will focus on making inroads in the aerospace industry, including existing businesses at Cecil Field.
Given the uncertain economic times, Simpson said the strategic plan offers one key element that will help re-focus attention to attract more business: flexibility.
“No one knows what the economy will do,” he said, “but this plan offers flexibility that is really needed.”
JAA Cecil Field investment
Here’s a look at how the Jacksonville Aviation Authority has invested in its 6,000-acre portion of Cecil Field since it was transferred to the Authority’s predecessor, the Jacksonville Port Authority, on Oct. 1, 1999. Over the next 10 years, JAA estimates that a $26 million investment will be needed to keep existing buildings, hangars, runways, taxiways and other infrastructure maintained.
Sources: Cecil Field development strategy, Jacksonville Aviation Authority
Cecil Field tenants
The Boeing Co.
Florida Army National Guard - Army Aviation Support Facility
Fleet Readiness Center, Southeast
Flightstar Aircraft Services Inc.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department
Jacksonville JetPort
L-3 Communications - Titan Group
LSI (Logistic Services International)
Robinson Aviation
U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Wood Group Pratt and Whitney
Source: Jacksonville Aviation Authority
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