http://centexairport.com/cta-blog/ en stephen@centexairport.com Copyright 2011 2011-04-30T20:12:17+00:00 http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/eco-merge_gcc_to_bring_smart_substantial_development_to_central_texas http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/eco-merge_gcc_to_bring_smart_substantial_development_to_central_texas The following opinion article was published in the April 30, 2011, edition of the Bastrop Advertiser, a publication in Bastrop County, Texas, the home of the planned Eco-Merge Green Corporate Centers project, including Central Texas Airport: The economic transformation of Central Texas over the past 30 years has been remarkable.  From a base of mostly state government, the University of Texas, and farming and ranching, the region has been enhanced by diversification and growth from information technology, including semiconductors, personal computing, software and wireless innovation. The resulting social and economic effects are unmistakable.  Williamson County, one of the fastest growing counties in the United States, had average household incomes exceeding $69,000 in 2009—nearly 40 percent higher than the U.S. average.  Households in Travis County average more than $53,000, which is above both national and state averages. Bastrop County, however, has largely missed the region’s evolution into newer industries.  That is why, in part, the same survey showed county household incomes below $44,000—about 10 percent less than the rate for all of Texas.  Why more than 70 percent of Elgin ISD students are from economically disadvantaged families.  And why the county’s high-school graduates must move elsewhere to find jobs with livable incomes. The Eco-Merge Green Corporate Center (GCC), including Central Texas Airport, will begin to steer benefits from regional economic growth, including new jobs and tax revenue, to Bastrop County.  The project is being developed as a center for creating, producing and demonstrating advanced green technologies, wrapped around an airport that fills a longtime gap in general-aviation capacity. Over the past two years we have participated in more than 60 meetings with city and county governments, civic organizations, businesses and business groups, school-district officials, state legislators and news reporters.  People at those meetings have mostly been supportive of the project. There have been exceptions, though too often those conclusions and assertions have been based on, at best, misunderstanding.  So as we’ve talked to people about GCC, we have emphasized key facts about the project: 1. This is Real, Not Conceptual The green-technology element of GCC is more than an idea.  For instance, Tiga Energy Services recently announced a joint venture to privately fund, deploy and operate highly competitive renewable-energy operations—the first one of them in Bastrop County. Four technology partners have committed to locate at GCC; others are expected to follow soon. 2. We Are Committed to Responsible Development GCC and CTA, and initially the public-use infrastructure they require, will be paid for privately.  However, the project is not exempt from regulatory oversight of environmental, aviation, or other planning or operating standards. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has already approved use of the airspace around CTA, calling CTA’s placement and traffic pattern relative to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport “ideal.”  Aircraft operating at CTA will be under the same type of traffic control as other airports. More than 25 entitlements have been obtained for GCC, including extensive environmental certifications.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency, for example, has already approved modifications of the project’s floodplain.  Development also requires reviews by a wide range of regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Historical Commission and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Our possible use of a utility district to finance approved public-use water, wastewater and drainage infrastructure is not unusual.  While portions of the GCC site are within the City of Bastrop’s extra-territorial jurisdiction, the nearest city utilities are many miles away, with no known plan for near-term extension of infrastructure. 3. Smart Airport Planning is Good for All Central Texas Airport (CTA) is being developed to address the needs of corporate, charter and private aircraft—among the safest, quietest and most environmentally advanced in the air—that are not sufficiently being met regionally today.  ABIA’s master plan acknowledges it cannot adequately expand general-aviation services; Austin Executive Airport, near Manor, won’t be suitable for many of the high-performance corporate aircraft expected to use CTA. By agreement with Bastrop County, CTA cannot be used for scheduled passenger service.  Trying to compete with ABIA for air-cargo services would be foolish, but is beside the point.  We do not want freight traffic, and the length and placement of CTA’s single runway deliberately impose limits on the type of aircraft that will regularly use the airport.  At 7,200 feet, the runway is not optimal for commercial passenger or freight carriers—and the runway cannot be lengthened. About 180 taxable aircraft are expected to be registered at CTA initially, with near-term growth to about 250.  However, the charter and business aircraft targeted for CTA are typically away from their home airport for extended periods, so the number of takeoffs and landings at CTA will be smaller than base numbers suggest.  In any case, no matter where those registered aircraft are on a given day, they will be generating revenue for Bastrop County and other taxing entities. About 85 percent of all takeoffs and landings at CTA are expected to be to the south.  More than $1 million has been spent on project modifications so that air traffic is compatible with Bastrop ISD’s Cedar Creek High School, the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. To better understand potential sound levels at CTA, an evaluation was made of the Wiley Post general-aviation airport in Oklahoma City.  That airport has more takeoffs and landings than are planned for—and certain types of traffic that will not be permitted at —CTA.  Even with those differences, the study suggests that sound at or above the FAA standard of 65 DNL—or about the same as normal conversation—will be contained within the boundaries of CTA. Airport sound is important to us, too, since we are recruiting leading businesses to set up operations in GCC, which surrounds CTA. 4. Private Development Provides Public Advantages Under the economic-development agreement, Bastrop County will have no obligation to build or operate any part of the project, or any associated risk.  GCC will share only in newly generated property and sales-tax revenue from within project boundaries.  No public money is being diverted from other initiatives and no new taxes will be levied on individuals or businesses outside of GCC. Building CTA with private funds provides more control over airport operations.  For example, CTA is being developed without accommodations for tax-exempt private and recreational aircraft, pilot-training activities or experimental aircraft.  Those activities and types of aircraft typically generate more takeoffs and landings and increased noise. Community benefits from GCC should begin to accrue relatively quickly.  An initial study suggests project construction could result in more than 3,000 full- and part-time jobs.  With CTA and the alternative-energy project as the first economic engines, GCC will generate new tax revenue for the county, school districts and other taxing entities beginning Jan. 1 after the start of airport operations. Even after sharing in new tax revenue, GCC is expected to be the county’s largest taxpayer. The objective of most of the county residents we talk to is challenging, but attainable:  to maintain and enhance the overall rural character of Bastrop County, while encouraging growth that is sustainable and environmentally sound.  GCC will help broaden the county’s economy to include leadership and education in advanced green technologies, renewable energy, communications and transportation.  As it matures, our project is expected to generate tens of thousands of new permanent jobs in Central Texas, billions of dollars in new annual spending, and hundreds of millions in new tax revenue. No economic-development project of any significance gains universal support.  However, our thorough planning and analysis has repeatedly shown this to be—and we are determined to deliver—a project that will bring great benefit to the 75,000 people who live in Bastrop County.  By doing so, we believe the Eco-Merge Green Corporate Center, including Central Texas Airport, will distinguish this area as a place for smart, substantial development. T.R. Reid Eco-Merge Green Corporate Centers and Central Texas Airport Aviation, Central Texas Airport, Green Corporate Centers 2011-04-30T21:12:17+00:00 http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/tiga_energy_services_announces_joint_venture_to_develop_blended_renewa http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/tiga_energy_services_announces_joint_venture_to_develop_blended_renewa AUSTIN, Texas, Feb.15, 2011 – Tiga Energy Services, Inc., a provider of security, connectivity, and interoperability solutions to the energy industry, announced today it has formed a joint venture with Eco-Merge USA LLC., a subsidiary of Dentsu Japan, and Innovative Energy Group, LLC. To fund, deploy and operate multiple 100% blended renewable energy power plants throughout Texas and the USA. Each energy plant will be privately funded and will blend renewable sources that will include solar, simple cycle, combined cycle (steam-to-energy), and combined heat and power plants (CHP) powered from waste-to-energy sources to produce in excess of 15MW of renewable energy. The plants will offer renewable electricity at rates highly competitive with conventional utilities. The first blended renewable energy power plant is scheduled to break ground in the second quarter of 2011 in Bastrop County Texas, approximately 15 miles from Austin. The plant will offer electricity to utilities in the Central Texas region and provide thermal energy services to the planned Eco-Merge Green Corporate Center. Under our business model, the partners and investors will jointly own the plants and sell electricity at a profit both to an anchor customer and to independent utilities. We expect that upon completion of our initial deployment, we will have the ability to present similar opportunities to sites we select based upon the economics of this project. Eventually, we plan to make excess electricity not utilized by the anchor customer available to an energy spot trading market. The partnership also seeks additional finance partners and technologies for other potential locations in Texas and the USA for deployment of viable and efficient energy solutions. “Blending these energy technologies with real-time metering information creates a highly competitive pricing and distribution model for renewable energy,” said Michael Hathaway, CEO of Tiga Energy Services. “Over a short period of time, say 5 to 10 years, we believe we will be able to produce reliable and renewable energy at a price that approaches that of fossil fuels.” “Eco-Merge is dedicated to advancing the transfer of green technology, making it both more accessible and profitable,” said Jerald Wrightsil, CEO of Eco-Merge USA. “By linking innovative energy technologies from around the world, the global economy can be more durable and the essential resources of our planet more sustainable. Our partnership with Tiga Energy Services and Innovative Energy Group puts us in a strong position to establish a leadership position in driving this innovation.” “The partnership has brought together the necessary companies to establish the first blended renewable energy project in Texas,” stated Jason Blevins, COO IEG. “The blending of these 100% renewable sources and managing them under a single operator offers significant competitive advantages in pricing and availability to utilities, corporate campuses, government facilities, and municipalities.” Each company brings a unique skill-set to these projects. Tiga’s patent pending technology provides the network communication services to secure and connect energy assets, which allows the energy plants to be remotely monitored and managed in real-time. Real‐time monitoring and managing of energy production and delivery will provide an opportunity to arbitrage or spot trading any excess energy to the open market. Eco-Merge has a long track record of deploying renewable generation and economic development projects throughout the world and will provide pre-construction services and integration of energy assets. We expect that Eco-Merge’s historical industry success will provide the partnership with access to a wide range of global partners, investors, and technologies. Innovative Energy Group has decades of experience engineering, designing, and deploying waste-to-energy and district energy combined heat and power plants in the USA and Asia. Tiga has also entered into a contract with the Green Corporate Centers, LLC to assist with pre-construction architecture and design work to deploy a campus-wide network to define their communications infrastructure needs. This solution will enable Green Corporate Centers, and the proposed Central Texas Airport located on-site, to provide and sell to its tenants both energy and voice, video, and data capabilities. About Eco Merge Eco‐Merge is a subsidiary of Japan—‐based conglomerate Dentsu. Eco‐Merge’s vision is to achieve sustainable economic development in project regions through the introduction of eco‐friendly technologies. As the Eco‐Merge concept becomes more global in scope, the project has the potential to further increase in value. The Eco-Merge Project is unlike the so-called “smart city” concept. It does not merely end with the establishment of an advanced, eco‐friendly infrastructure. Cooperation with the participating businesses and fostering of local industries is expected to generate jobs, spur sustainable economic development, and thereby promote self-reliance in the project regions. About Innovative Energy Group Innovative Energy Group (IEG) is an engineering & consulting firm that deploys power and thermal energy production technologies. Their projects include work in waste-to-energy, simple cycle, combined cycle (steam-to-energy), and combined heat and power plants (CHP). IEG provides full process design, construction, training, operating, and maintenance of power and thermal plant ancillary systems and district energy projects. About Tiga Energy Services Tiga Energy Services, Inc., an Austin, Texas based company, provides networking and communications services to the energy industry. We provide consulting, engineering, architecture and design services that enable commercial and industrial energy customers to seamlessly connect, integrate, manage and secure their energy related assets. Our Flagship product is a network service called TigaNET that will provide centralized, managed and network services for an increasingly diverse and distributed energy market. TigaNET addresses a broad range of communications and automation issues facing energy consumers as they seek to more efficiently manage energy consumption and offset their energy costs through the deployment of renewable energy generation and energy storage technologies. For additional information please visit http://www.tigaenergy.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward‐looking statements include statements relating to: our ability to fully finance and construct the energy plants; the timing of the commencement and completion of any plant; and our future outlook. The risks and uncertainties that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include the ability of us and our partners to develop and implement the required technologies to integrate the renewable energy sources that will power the plants and other technical problems relating to the plants, the availability of financing for energy projects such as those being developed by the Company and its partners, adverse economic conditions, changes in tax laws applicable to the energy industry, the adoption of adverse federal, state and local government regulations, including environmental laws that adversely impact the proposed energy plants, intense competition, entry of new competitors and products, unexpected costs and operating deficits, increases in general and administrative costs, technological obsolescence, price increases for supplies and components, the possible fluctuation and volatility of the Company’s operating results and financial condition, adverse publicity and news coverage, loss of key executives, inflationary factors, general political, economic and market conditions and events, and other risks and uncertainties described more fully in our public announcements, reports to shareholders and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC, including our Current Report on Form 8‐K as filed with the SEC on November 15, 2010. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Contact: Christopher Wilder, COO +1 512-687‐3451 cwilder@tigaenergy.com http://www.tigaenergy.com Central Texas Airport, Green Corporate Centers, News, Technologies 2011-02-17T23:20:20+00:00 http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/central_texas_airport_is_proud_to_announce_the_eco-merge_green_corpora http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/central_texas_airport_is_proud_to_announce_the_eco-merge_green_corpora BOLD ECO-MERGE GREEN CORPORATE CENTER DEVELOPMENT BRINGING INNOVATION, OPPORTUNITY TO CENTRAL TEXAS Project combines economic growth, job creation, transportation improvement and environmental responsibility Companies already making commitments to locate at the center Private investment will fund development, construction and operating costs Central Texas Airport addresses general-aviation gap dating back 10-plus years AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 19, 2010 – An ambitious Central Texas development will demonstrate the vast potential of common-sense green technology and planning, while creating much-needed jobs, increasing tax revenue and providing critical general-aviation capacity for the region. At an event today at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, project and public officials said the Eco-Merge Green Corporate Center, located in Bastrop County, will show how commercial development and environmental responsibility should not only coexist, but are best done together. The 1,500-acre GCC project, near the intersection of FM 1704 and FM 969 about 15 minutes east of Austin, will be home to organizations researching, creating, incubating and producing advanced green technologies.  Companies already committing to operate from the center include: Toshiba International Corp., which is recognized worldwide for its technology innovation in energy services and equipment.  TIC will start at GCC by building a state-of-the-art, 9.9-megawatt solar-energy farm.  The installation will serve as a showcase for the company’s latest photovoltaic technology and broader expertise in alternative-energy solutions. ecoSolargy, a subsidiary of Tianwei Clean Energy of Chengdu, China, a developer and manufacturer of photovoltaic solar technology, and a leader in thin films for solar-energy collection and other applications.  The company will produce solar panels at GCC, positioning itself for growth in the U.S. Southwest, as well as in Mexico and Central and South America. Akash Ganga Pte. Ltd., based in Chennai, India, which specializes in atmospheric moisture extraction—literally making clean drinking water from air.  The innovative technology could be profound in many parts of the world, providing clean water to people without the significant resources required for desalinization and traditional water infrastructures. Yerico Manufacturing Inc., a strategic partner of Fawoo Technologies of Pusan, Korea, and a supplier of cutting-edge LED lighting technology and semiconductor resurfacing.  At GCC, Yerico will demonstrate how energy consumption and costs for lighting can be reduced with smart infrastructure assessment and investment. A key element of GCC is Central Texas Airport, which is being designed and will function to the same high standards for environmental responsibility as the overall project.  The airport will add critical general-aviation capacity for all of Central Texas, including Austin, the nation’s 15th largest city by population. CTA will serve primarily small business aircraft.  A development agreement unanimously approved by Bastrop County Commissioners prohibits regularly scheduled passenger and cargo service. The types of business, charter and other private aircraft that will be based at the airport are known to be among the quietest and most environmentally advanced in the world. The GCC project is a partnership of Central Texas developers Green Corporate Centers Holdings Inc. and Eco-Merge, a Japan-based consortium with a U.S. branch headquartered in Austin.  In addition to the initial commitments, Eco-Merge is in discussions with other global leaders in alternative energy, green building design, conservation, and sustainable infrastructure about establishing operations in Bastrop County. The campus will be a global seeding ground and showcase for energy efficiency, renewable power and sustainability in office, industrial and manufacturing facilities.  GCC’s infrastructure plans call for unprecedented energy efficiency through master community design, construction and operating practices that achieve or exceed the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, standards. At the hub of the campus will be an innovative Internet Protocol-based “micro grid,” led by Austin-based Tiga Energy Services, to manage all energy generation, storage, transmission and consumption, as well as provide voice, video and data services. An early study by The Perryman Group of Waco, Texas, indicated that during build-out GCC could generate an average of more than 3,000 full- and part-time construction and related jobs.  Once operationally mature, the development may annually account for more than 10,000 on-campus jobs—perhaps another 30,000 across Central Texas—along with more than $4 billion in goods and services, $8 billion-plus in total spending, and more than $300 million in new state and local tax revenue. Construction of essential infrastructure, including the airport, could begin before the end of the year. Quotes: Jim Carpenter, chairman of the board and chief executive officer, Eco-Merge Green Corporate Centers – “This project recognizes that development and economic growth require creation and use of advanced green technology.  That means taking smart, new approaches.  Central Texas Airport enhances GCC and the reverse is true, too.  By every measure, this region is woefully underserved for general aviation, and addressing the issue will make our area much more attractive for investment and job creation.” Tetsuo Fujino, founder and chairman of the board, Eco-Merge – “Eco-Merge is dedicated to advancing the transfer of green technology, making it both more accessible and profitable by linking leading technology from Japan, the United States, Europe, Asia and other regions with large and growing nations around the world.  By doing so, the global economy can be more durable and the essential resources of our planet more sustainable.” John Burns, president and chief operating officer, Eco-Merge Green Corporate Centers – “Bastrop County has been my home for a long time, and we have an extraordinary chance to make this area a leader in the global ecological revolution, like other parts of Central Texas have been in information technology since the 1980s.  Doing that will have huge benefits for our people, our education system and our entire community.” About Eco-Merge Green Corporate Center Eco-Merge Green Corporate Center will be a global hub of eco-technology and commerce.  Located in Bastrop County near Austin, Texas, GCC will use private investment to become a source and showcase for green technology; fulfill shared purposes of economic growth, job creation and environmental responsibility using private investment; and create much-needed general-aviation capacity for the region.  For more information, visit http://www.ecomergegcc.com. Central Texas Airport, Green Corporate Centers, News, Technologies 2010-10-20T21:28:49+00:00 http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/central_texas_airports_potential_community_impact http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/central_texas_airports_potential_community_impact AIRPORTS & COMMUNITY IMPACTS Airports represent one of the largest economic development generators in our nation.  Corporate and private air travel is critical for business transactions worldwide and efficient functioning of many aspects of the economy.  Businesses, industry, communities, hospitals, and other uses compete to locate near airports. This fact is evident in the following two Texas airport examples.  Both airports were originally developed in remote unpopulated areas.  As the photos indicate, high-dollar value commercial and residential uses and public facilities elected to locate around them, despite the fact that each airport ranks among the busiest airports in the nation, in their respective classification. GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT Addison Airport is a public airport located in Addison, Texas in Dallas County, nine miles north of the Dallas central business district.  The airport was established in 1954 and was purchased by the town of Addison in 1976.  It is the busiest general aviation airport in Texas and among the five busiest in the United States. COMMERCIAL PASSENGER & AIR CARGO AIRPORT Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth and is the third busiest airport in the world in terms of aircraft movements.  In terms of land area, at 18,076 acres,  it is the largest airport in Texas, the second largest in the United States, behind Denver International, and the fourth largest in the world.  In 2006, it was named the “Best Cargo Airport in the World”.  The airport lies within the incorporated cities of Coppell, Euless, Grapevine, Irving, and it serves 138 domestic and 38 international destinations. For more information please view: Facilities Near Addison & Dallas Fort Worth Airports.pdf Addison Airport Google Map DFW Airport Google Map Central Texas Airport, News 2010-08-27T21:52:00+00:00 http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/general_aviation_left_out_of_department_of_transportation_five-year_pl http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/general_aviation_left_out_of_department_of_transportation_five-year_pl GA left out of DOT five-year plan There is a hole in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) draft five-year plan, says the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). The plan, which covers the period from 2010 to 2015, almost completely ignores general aviation and its economic importance to the nation. “In its current form the plan places more emphasis on travel by bicycle than on general aviation,” wrote AOPA President and CEO Craig Fuller in comments on the draft plan sent to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Furthermore, the plan seems to reintroduce user fees as the preferred way to fund the FAA. The draft contains six broad goals that cut across all modes of transportation: Safety; State of Good Repair (Airports); Economic Competitiveness; Livable Communities; Environmental Sustainability; and U.S. DOT Organizational Excellence. “The draft plan seems to almost completely ignore the economic importance of GA as well as the relevance of GA to five of the six strategic goals,” Fuller wrote. “The role of GA with regard to the Safety Goal is the exception, albeit even here the focus on GA is sparse.” In AOPA’s comments, Fuller notes that on page 19 of the draft plan, the Department of Transportation revives user fees as “the policy model of choice,” essentially lifting language from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 budget support documents sent to Congress by the Obama administration. Aviation is the only mode of transportation for which a funding “solution” is proposed. That proposal, says AOPA, ignores both the reauthorization bill currently pending in Congress and the Obama administration’s FY2011 budget proposal, neither of which include user fees. “AOPA strongly opposes a policy direction that suggests user fees,” wrote Fuller. “As we have stated in the past, user fees are divisive, inefficient, and inequitable – and are likely to have a crippling effect on the GA community, which is already struggling.” Environmental sustainability is one of the six strategic goals listed in the draft plan. But once again, there is no mention of general aviation, which is faced with the eventual demise of 100LL due to pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “DOT leadership in this undertaking is imperative and we believe that the DOT draft plan should include a strategy for FAA as the lead agency to manage the effort,” Fuller wrote. AOPA, as part of a coalition of aviation associations dealing with the avgas issue, believes the FAA should develop an integrated program to reduce lead emissions from piston-engine aircraft that balances environmental improvements with aviation safety, technical feasibility, and economic impact. The general aviation industry can and should be a part of the program. The DOT draft plan contains one intriguing new strategic goal: livable communities. But even here, the plan ignores general aviation’s potential contributions to meeting that goal. “This section of the DOT strategic plan contains a signature initiative of President Obama, most notably to foster livable communities through place-based policies and initiatives that increase transportation choices and access to transportation services,” noted Fuller. “No prior USDOT strategic plan contains a comparable initiative.” GA has a direct impact on that goal because of the role it plays connecting communities – the large, the small, and the very remote – ensuring access to essential services and providing emergency medical transportation and disaster relief. Additionally, GA serves as an engine that powers the growth of small communities and rural regions. “AOPA’s goal in providing this input,” concluded Fuller, “is to ensure that the final plan recognizes the role and contributions of general aviation to the nation’s transportation system.” Posted by Janice Wood · July 5, 2010 For more information: http://www.generalaviationnews.com/?p=26010, http://www.aopa.org, http://www.dot.gov Aviation, Central Texas Airport, News 2010-07-07T15:22:35+00:00 http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/bastrop_county_commissioners_unanimously_approve_incentives_for_airpor http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/bastrop_county_commissioners_unanimously_approve_incentives_for_airpor 30 Year Incentive Agreement Signed Bastrop County commissioners unanimously approved incentives Monday for a proposed $150 million private airport and business complex in the western part of the county. The county would refund 75 percent of county property taxes for the proposed airport over 30 years as part of an agreement with the project’s developer. The airport is far from a done deal — parts of the project still must be approved by the county and federal regulators — but the commissioners’ incentive offer is a significant step. “This was done with the taxpayers’ concerns in front of it,” said Lee Dildy, commissioner of Precinct 4, where the proposed site of the airport is located. “Both sides acted in good faith. I feel very comfortable with this agreement.” Dildy said public money will not be used to build the airport and related improvements. Jim Carpenter, managing partner of Central Texas Airport LLC, the would-be developer of the airport, said, “The Central Texas Airport completes the missing infrastructure asset that was needed for Central Texas.” Carpenter began discussions with the county on the project at least a year ago. He said the airport would help fill a need when an annual Formula One race comes to Austin, scheduled to begin in 2012. “Formula One will bring a tremendous demand for aviation,” he said. The proposed airport now includes plans for a 7,200-foot runway on about 1,100 acres, and will be for private chartered aircraft and business jets. According to the agreement, the airport cannot be a general commercial airport. Some people who live near the proposed site are concerned about airport noise, flight patterns, declining property values and how the airport will be used. “We are not happy about the proposed airport. We are not happy about the approval of this agreement,” said Catherine Roberts, who lives south of the site and is president of the homeowners association for the River Crossing subdivision. “We just really hope this won’t come to fruition.” The agreement pertains only to the first phase of the project, which county documents show includes the runway, 250,000 square feet of hangar space, a fuel farm, fire-and-rescue facilities and commercial development. Under the agreement, construction of the first phase of the airport project would begin no later than June 30, 2012, and be finished no later than June 30, 2014. Currently, the county receives about $4,000 in property taxes per year from the property, which is now agricultural land, proposed for the airport, county staff said. The value of one-quarter of the property — the amount taxed under the agreement — would be significantly higher, according to county staff. The county still must approve construction plans and the Federal Emergency Management Agency must approve changes to a flood plain on the property, which would need to be moved for the project. Carpenter said he was waiting for the incentive agreement before proceeding with buying the property, but said Monday that he would go forward. He said his company hopes to start construction before the end of the year and complete work by the end of 2011 or early 2012. Aircraft maintenance services and green businesses are part of the overall airport plans, Carpenter said. By Suzannah Gonzales AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF   Aviation, Central Texas Airport, News, Technologies 2010-06-15T18:37:46+00:00 http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/developer_chats_up_airport_with_chamber_-_elgin_courier_article http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/developer_chats_up_airport_with_chamber_-_elgin_courier_article A private airport outside Elgin could fill an important niche in Central Texas aviation while giving the county and EISD an important tax base, according to a developer who spoke the Elgin Chamber of Commerce last Thursday. James Carpenter, president of Carpenter & Associates, said an airport here could serve corporate and private airplanes that the infrastructure at Austin-Bergstrom Airport cannot properly serve; Bergstrom is really designed for major passenger planes and cargo, not private enterprise. Given Central Texas’ growth, events like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest dro?ve a great deal of private air traffic from Bergstrom to airports in San Marcos and Georgetown; given proper planning, a private airport in the Elgin area could help fill that overflow. “The world is changing, and I think the future of how economies are crafted will be based on transportation,” Carpenter said. “This is much larger than building a runway. We’re after a tax base, new businesses and bringing money to Bastrop County.” Carpenter also provided some third party figures to the Chamber. He said an airport could generate 43,000 new jobs and $8.3 billion in annual spending in Bastrop County, and could be completed in between seven to nine years. By Marcus Funk - Elgin Courier Staff Writer   Aviation, Central Texas Airport, Green Corporate Centers, News 2010-06-10T20:26:17+00:00 http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/central_texas_airport_welcomes_formula_one_to_austin http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/central_texas_airport_welcomes_formula_one_to_austin Formula One returns to the United States Formula One World Championship Limited and Formula One Administration Limited (together, the F1 Commercial Rights Holder) and Full Throttle Productions, LP, promoter of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™, announce that a historic agreement has been reached for Austin, Texas to serve as the host city of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ for years 2012 through 2021. “We are extremely honoured and proud to reach an agreement with the F1 Commercial Rights Holder. We have been diligently working together for several years to bring this great event to Austin, the State of Texas and back to the United States. All parties involved have a great amount of trust and confidence in each other and are committed to establishing the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ in Austin, Texas as a prestigious global event,” stated Tavo Hellmund, Managing Partner of Full Throttle Productions, LP. Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group stated: “For the first time in the history of Formula One in the United States, a world-class facility will be purpose-built to host the event. It was thirty years ago that the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ was last held on a purpose-built permanent road course circuit in Watkins Glen, NY (1961-1980), which enjoyed great success. Since then, Formula One has been hosted by Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix all on temporary street circuits. Indianapolis joined the ranks of host cities in 2000 when they added a road course inside the famed oval. Lewis Hamilton won the last Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ in 2007, signalling the end to eight years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This however, will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for Formula One in the US.” Mr. Hellmund added: “This is a case of the right timing in the right place. As many Americans know, Austin has earned a reputation as one of the ‘it’ cities in the United States. Austin features that rare combination of ideal geographic location and beauty. Its fine dining, world-renowned hospitality and excellent transportation infrastructure make Austin ideally suited to host and manage an event of this magnitude. Few cities if any in America could rival the connectivity of all the key elements needed for hosting a Formula 1 event as well as Austin. Now, many people around the world will have the opportunity to experience a world-class event, facility and city.” “We are pleased Texas has the opportunity to be involved with Formula 1 and that an event of this magnitude is coming to Austin,” said Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. “It has been a pleasure working with Full Throttle Productions, LP and Mr. Hellmund on this project. Their tradition of producing successful major events coupled with a thirty year relationship with Mr. Ecclestone has us looking forward to this worldwide event and the benefits it will bring, including local job creation, increased tourism and a significant economic impact added to our state economy. The visibility and prestige of this event will spotlight our state on an international stage.” Texas Governor Rick Perry conveyed his enthusiasm for the project, explaining “Texas’ relatively strong economy continues to draw both national and international attention and I commend Comptroller Combs for her work in bringing this exciting event to the Lone Star State.” City of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell continued the positive sentiments, adding “The City of Austin will be proud to host this magnificent event and I look forward to welcoming the participants and fans of Formula One to our City.” Full Throttle Productions, LP acknowledges with great appreciation the efforts of all parties involved including Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group, and the local and state officials of Texas. “It has been a shared vision and monumental task to reach this agreement. We realize that over the last 30 years there have been one or two missing pieces from the previous editions of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™. We have a tremendous opportunity at hand to do it right - to feature Austin as the backdrop and produce the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ as one of the great sporting events in the world,” stated Hellmund. In addition to the State of Texas being the 11th strongest economy in the world, it has more Fortune 500 company headquarters than any other state. Key features of Austin include: - State capital nicknamed ‘Silicon Hills’ for being one of the most important regions in the US for the Technology Industry; - USA’s 15th largest city and is located 145 miles from Houston (4th largest US city), 70 miles from San Antonio (7th largest US city), and 180 miles from Dallas (8th largest US city), population in this triangle is over 22 million; - perfectly located geographically for North, South and Central American visitors; - over 130 daily departing international flights within 180 miles; - over 250,000 hotel rooms within 180 miles; - desirable year-round climate, with an average annual temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius); - geographically located in the Texas Hill Country, easily the most beautiful city in the State, and considered one of the most in the US; - hotels/downtown/Formula 1 circuit/airport located within close proximity of each other, which is nearly impossible for any other large city in the US; - world class night life entertainment along renowned ‘Sixth Street’; and - large film industry presence - many movies filmed in the area. Austin’s National Recognition - Known as “The Live Music Capital of the World” - Voted “Greenest City in America” (MSN) - Voted “Least Stressful Large Metro” in the United States (Forbes) - Voted Top Two “Best Cities” in the United States (Money Magazine) - Voted Top Three “Hippest Cities” in the United States (Forbes) - Voted Top Five “Safest Cities” in the United States (Forbes) - Voted Top Ten “Sports & Fitness Cities” in the USA (Sports Business Journal) Full Throttle Productions, LP is an Austin, Texas, special event and sports production company that provides event conception, event project management, day of event oversight, staffing and volunteer services, venue planning and logistics support. More information on the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ will be forthcoming shortly. In the meantime, all queries should be directed to info@fullthrottleproductionslp.com. http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/5/10824.html Aviation, Central Texas Airport, News 2010-05-25T20:47:08+00:00 http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/central_texas_airport_waits_for_countys_ok_-_elgin_courier_article_5_1 http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/central_texas_airport_waits_for_countys_ok_-_elgin_courier_article_5_1 Plans for the Central Texas Airport in Bastrop County are proceeding, according to Pct. 4 Commissioner Lee Dildy and developer Jim Carpenter. “We are hopeful that the airport project will be on the Bastrop County Commissioners Court agenda May 24. If it is and they give their approval, we can accelerate this project. “We have resolved a lot of the issues with our project and we need to move on,” Carpenter said. Dildy reported that Carpenter and his associates had agreed to all of the nine non-negotiable items the County Court had requested. “The County has done what needs to be done in our efforts to promote economic development for the entire County. The items we requested were to protect the County’s citizens, not to hinder the project. “We are not obligating our taxpayers in any way; the airport and its businesses must create taxes and then the company will get a portion of the revenue,” said Dildy. Carpenter stated that his associates have contacted a number of industrial businesses in their recruitment phase. “We have had great response from the businesses and we’re just waiting for the next step,” said Carpenter. Just over a year ago, Jim Carpenter & Associates proposed a privately-owned reliever airport in Bastrop County. He has said the Central Texas Airport will be designed to be America’s first ‘green airport.’ The project, which will only have private jets, not commercial planes that will use the airport is projected to cost $150 million. The proposed location is almost 2,000 acres at the intersection of FM 1704 and FM 969, which is in the Elgin Independent School District and would increase tax revenues significantly. Carpenter said he is seeking out both aviation and non-aviation, alternative renewable energy, as well as aerospace businesses for the Green Corporate Centers. Carpenter was excited about providing new facilities for corporate businesses and private plane owners that currently use older facilities across the nation. For more information, visit the Web site at centexairport.com. Elgin Courier Article Aviation, Central Texas Airport, Green Corporate Centers 2010-05-19T21:08:16+00:00 http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/elgin_courier_article_work_continues_on_central_texas_airport http://www.centexairport.com/cta-blog/comments/elgin_courier_article_work_continues_on_central_texas_airport A year ago, Jim Carpenter came to the area, proposing a privately-owned reliever airport in the area, called Central Texas Airport (CTA), which is designed to be America’s first ‘green airport.’ After getting mixed reviews from City of Bastrop in general, the associated activity with the airport has quieted down significantly. Carpenter said Thursday that he and his associates are focusing on business and industrial business recruitment for the $150 million project. The location of the proposed airport is almost 2,000 acres at the intersection of FM 1704 and FM 969, about eight miles from both Elgin and Bastrop, according to Carpenter. The Federal Aviation Agency has already given approval for the utilization of airspace, Carpenter said. Lee Dildy, Pct. 4 Commissioner, stated that he would love to have this project in Pct. 4. “This airport project would be great for Bastrop County, but there are certain liability issues that have yet to be worked out,” Dildy said. Carpenter said he is seeking out both aviation and non-aviation, alternative renewable energy, as well as aerospace businesses for the Green Corporate Centers. “Corporate aircraft are taxable and we are in the process of recruiting businesses who use aircraft, such as Wal Mart, with its fleet of planes, because those aircraft are taxable, meaning more revenue for Bastrop County. “We are looking for the higher performing aircraft and companies that manage a lot of aircraft to use CTA. We want to work with the aircraft management companies to establish a baseline for maintenance, inspection, overhauls and certifications in one location,” explained Carpenter. CTA would not be in competition with Austin- Bergstrom International Airport or smaller airports, such as Bird’s Nest and those in San Marcos and Georgetown, Carpenter said. He indicated that CTA would provide a new economic base for the County. “Business people are going to need to ask how economically they can get to five or six cities in one day and still be at home by night. We want to accommodate those businesses in Bastrop County,” said Carpenter. One of the challenges for Carpenter and his proposed airport is to ‘quell false fears or rumors about the business.’ “We are hoping to break this catch-22 that we seem to be in and get Bastrop County communities on-board with our project. With a number of employees anticipated, housing will be needed, which will boost realtors, Chambers of Commerce and other businesses in the area. “CTA and the Green Corporate Center will provide job opportunities for young people who are not seeking a four-year degree. In 18 months, with a high school diploma or GED equivalent, a student can have a nice paying job and still live here,” Carpenter added. According to Carpenter, most hangars are not climate-controlled, so in the coldest and hottest times of year, workers are unable to work in those conditions. We have ways to have drop-down vents for heating and cooling in our hangars that will extend work hours for employees,” Carpenter said. If the airport becomes a reality, it could have a significant impact on the Elgin ISD, since some of the land is in the southern part of the school district and could increase tax revenues significantly. Bastrop City Manager Mike Talbot said Bastrop officials have had no involvement in the CTA or with Carpenter in a year. Last year about this time, the proposal got mixed reviews from Bastrop County officials at a public hearing. According to a study by Perryman Group that Carpenter paid for, the airport would create over 4,000 jobs and when the development is complete, would employ 43,000 over the long haul. For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.centexairport.com. Elgin Courier Article Central Texas Airport, Green Corporate Centers, News 2010-04-16T16:48:14+00:00