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Public Hearing - RE: Commissioner Chad Brown - EDC - To Authorize a Resolution Providing Eligibility for Project RODEO to Participate in the Local Investment Grant Program Over the Course of Their Multi-phased Investment for a Standard Level One Grant
1. Receive Citizen Comment
2. Accept Motion to Approve Resolution
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STAFF CONTACT
Donny Hicks - Economic Development - 704-825-4046
BUDGET IMPACT
budget
N/A
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BUDGET ORDINANCE IMPACT
N/A
BACKGROUND
Project RODEO proposes to lease a building, to be constructed on the site known as the former Duke Energy Riverbend Power Plant in Mount Holly. Project RODEO intends on establishing a technical training facility by investing approximately thirteen million one hundred thousand dollars ($13.1 million) of investment in machinery and equipment. Project RODEO expects to complete this multi-phased investment on or before December 31, 2023. At least 23 new employment positions, with an estimated average annual wage of $82,333, which exceeds the 2019 Gaston County average annual wage of $39,852, are to be created.
The company’s North American Industrial Classification System number does not currently qualify Project RODEO to participate in the Local Investment Grant Program. The EDC request is for Gaston County Board of Commissioners to provide eligibility for Project RODEO to participate in the Local Investment Grant Program over the course of their multi-phased investment. All of the details of this local incentive grant proposal will be incorporated into an economic development agreement involving the County, City of Mount Holly and company.
Project RODEO, is a part of a major technical services provider to the energy sector of the global economy. The energy industry makes modern life possible, but few realize how intertwined the electric power, pipeline, industrial and communications industries are in our daily lives. Duke Energy has acquired Piedmont Natural Gas and has fiber capabilities. This proposed technical training center will be in complete partnership with Duke Energy on a “brownfield” site under environmental remediation. The firm intends to provide three, 15 week regularly scheduled technical training terms annually with each having approximately 128 students with the potential to increase in number. Other courses are to be offered that could generate up to 32 students per course. These courses are offered throughout the year creating additional extended stays at local lodging facilities. Project RODEO offers the County and the City of Mount Holly the potential to attract a highly technical firm which will establish a training center for the energy sector. The redevelopment of a “brownfield” site with a facility housing 23 fulltime jobs paying a projected average annual wage of $82,000 compared to Gaston County’s current 2019 average annual wage of $39,852.
Gaston County is the only site in NC being considered for this project.
POLICY IMPACT
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ATTACHMENTS
Resolution