Industrial parks are a dime a dozen across the country but ones that offer railroad access are scarce.
On Monday, the City of Midwest City broke ground on the new Soldier Creek Industrial Park, which will cost $2.6 million to develop but $1 million is being funded by a federal grant.
City leaders were joined by U.S. Rep. James Lankford and other local legislators in the groundbreaking ceremony. Lankford was one of many legislators that helped push along the project and receive federal assistance.
Lankford said for the homes in the area of the park (NE 23rd and Air Depot/Midwest Blvd.) what is coming in the days ahead are jobs.
"This is how it starts," the congressman said, referring to the city’s work to install sewer and water lines.
"People see the construction equipment but economic development is not always bricks and mortar going up," Lankford said. "It is often what goes on underground."
"What is happening today is not sexy, exciting or beautiful, but the beginning point of a lot of opportunity."
Lankford called the park an opportunity not just for Midwest City.
"This is the epitome of planting a shade tree. It’s small. People will sit under it and never know the person that planted it. It’s the right thing to do."
Chad Donoley, who represented the Arkansas-Oklahoma Railroad, explained the economic impact the park would have on the community. He pointed to a similar park with railroad access that has brought hundreds of jobs to McAlester. In that community of 18,000 people, Donoley said the five businesses in the park have brought in over 600 jobs.
A-OK Railroad will be working closely with the city to give businesses in the park rail access by running a rail line for businesses to access and then transport their goods in and out of the area.
Monday’s ceremony marked the beginning of phase one of the park. City officials say they have already been in talks with interested companies to move to the park.
"We have had a lot of interest in the area but they haven’t been the quality of jobs that we have wanted," said Billy Harless, MWC community development director. "We are going to hold out until we get a user that is going to be a positive for the city. Like all developments that first user sets the tone for the rest of the development."
