KEDC contracts at or above compliance
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

Economic development agreements for nine businesses were up for compliance review by Kilgore Economic Development Corporation this week. All nine were approved.

"This report represents 553 new jobs in Kilgore and $75 million in improvements, with $25 million of that new value on the city's tax roles," Amanda Nobles, KEDC executive director, said. "This is a good report for the city and for KEDC, to have all companies performing at or above contractual agreements."

With Kennedy Gourmet moving out of North Kilgore Industrial Park, KEDC is now charged with finding a tenant for the vacant $700,000 building.

In order to market the building, improvements not to exceed $200,000, were approved by the board last night, including parking lot improvements, exterior power washing and gutter, trim and down spout repair.

Bill Adamson, KEDC board president, said the corporation has no choice but to spend the money to get the property back on the market.

In other business, Nobles presented the board with her annual staff report. She said a recent meeting of Synergy Park property owners has prompted attendees to form Synergy Park Property Owner's Association.

Nobles also reported the Elder Lake road extension at Synergy Park is near completion.

"Weather permitting, crews are set to address a drainage culvert and a few seal issues, then the punch list is complete," Nobles said.

Nobles said construction on the Synergy Park detention pond will not begin until weather has cleared up.

Plans for improvements at the Synergy Park entrance on FM 349 are still in Austin, awaiting approval by Texas Department of Transportation, she said.