JEDCO seeks new engineer at airport

The new street project at the Jasper Airport Industrial Park will have to wait a little longer as Jasper Economic D e v e l o p m e n t Corporation board members voted Dec. 5 to seek to proposals from other engineering firms instead of using the current Brannon Corporation.

Originally, the board agenda called for a vote on the bid process on the street project and a taxiway for the subdivided lands at the airpark.

“I would like to recommend to the board that we seek out other engineers for this job,” said board member and Jasper Mayor David Barber. “We have had problems with Brannon Corporation and I have heard some unfavorable reports on them.”

JEDCO Executive Director Tom McClurg said the main problem JEDCO encountered with the Brannon Corporation in a former project at the airpark dealt with surveys.

McClurg noted the action will delay the bid process for the project but Barber said several local engineering firms could be encouraged to submit proposals.

In other action, board members approved a measure for a phase one environmental assessment study as a condition of sale of the former Explorer hangar to Mobile Medical Command.

Board president Gayle Meigs said she has a verbal agreement that once the study is completed, the contract on the hangar will be signed.

Board members authorized Environmental Compliance Solutions, LLC to conduct the assessment.

The cost for the study will be $2,000-3,000 and Mobile Medical Command will pay half of the cost.

“I don’t understand why we need it,” Barber said. “Will (Mobile Medical) pay 100 percent of the study when nothing is found out there? I just think this is a waste of time and money.”

“This came out of the clear blue and we were not ready for it,” McClurg said.

McClurg also reported on two new retail prospects for the city. He said a movie theatre company has visited the area three times and is looking for real estate for its project.

He also said a new apartment complex should break ground in February 2007.

The complex will be located in an area behind the DETCOG building.