Tech park on target Published Jan. 22, 2007 By Brian Brown Mission Enhancement Committee EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A technology and research campus first envisioned by senior leadership here in 1992 is now on target to finally become a reality. The 118-acre site, strategically located at the present University of Florida Research Engineering Education Facility in Shalimar, is preparing to develop the campus into what was envisioned as a synergistic mix of academia and private technology-research companies at a central location convenient to the military and the private sector. The plan for the Emerald Coast Technology Park and Research Campus was unveiled at an Industry Day Jan. 11. The forum attracted investors, developers and parties interested in learning more about the campus concept. The campus will attract tenants conducting research in a wide variety of technologies, such as biotechnology, software and telecommunications, as well as established technology employers such as defense contractors. The plan will utilize private sector investments under the Air Force's Enhanced Use Lease Program to create thousands of square feet of new state-of-the-art research and office space focusing on attracting high quality, high-technology jobs and generating new opportunities for fast-growing and innovative technology businesses to locate at the campus. "This is a great opportunity for both Eglin and the local community because the results of BRAC were to establish Eglin as one of three research, development, acquisition, test and evaluation weapons armament centers of expertise within the Department of Defense, said Bob Arnold, Eglin Mission Enhancement Committee chairman. "This research campus will fuel, to a new level, the synergy needed for this capability to become a reality, because it will bring in a central strategic beneficial location for the right technologies that will feed Eglin's mission while benefiting the community by creating additional high tech, high paying jobs," he said. Under the Air Force's new Enhanced Use Lease Program, a private developer will be selected to build the campus utilizing private investment funds and will lease space to prospective tenants. A lease fee for the property will be paid to the Air Force by the developer with proceeds targeted for improving Eglin infrastructure, environmental restoration, and possibly new facilities for the Air Force. The campus may also include an on-site child care facility, restaurant and residence facility for visiting academia. "We have a fantastic team of highly motivated and innovative professionals from within the Air Force, universities, and the private sector," Mr. Arnold said. "The resulting campus will be environmentally friendly and a showcase for attracting not only the technologies that will feed the military directly, but an anchor for high technologies in other fields such as nano and medical technology." A lease award is expected before the end of the year. For more information, contact the Mission Enhancement Committee at 882-9650.