JEDCO selects Klotz Associates for project
By JIMMY GALVAN

After delaying the project last month, the Jasper Economic Development Corporation board members approved the naming of Klotz Associates as the new engineering firm for the street project at the Jasper Airport Industrial Park.

The decision was made during the monthly meeting of the board Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Board member and Jasper Mayor David Barber recommended during the December meeting that the board seek new proposals other than the one with Brannon Corporation.

"We have had problems with Brannon Corporation and I have heard some unfavorable reports on them," said Barber at the December meeting.

Three proposals had been received on the street project at the airport park. Board member Rita Cummings moved that a committee be formed to look into the three proposals before a final decision would be made.

But her motion died for a lack of a second.

Gloria Monzingo then moved that JEDCO approve Klotz Associates proposal and the motion was approved by a vote of 3-1 with Cummings voting against the motion.

The street project is needed as a condition of sale of the former Explorer hanger to Mobile Medical.

JEDCO Executive Director Tom McClurg said the street project needs to be completed to provide access to the properties near the Explorer hangar.

"Since we have 28 acres back from Explorer, we need to put the street in and then work on the subdivision of the acreage," McClurg said. "The concept, so far, has been to keep it aircraft-related, and we believe we can develop 12 different properties."

JEDCO board members also tabled any decision on approving the strategic plan, which was presented to board members last month.