| Perquimans Marine Industrial Park |
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In 2006, a strategic plan was prepared that identified marine industries as one of the best potential markets in the near future for the Commerce Centre. In addition, a pre-feasibility study was undertaken to develop a conceptual design layout and preliminary cost estimates for a marine industrial park and related infrastructure within the Commerce Centre. Simultaneously, in 2006, the North Carolina Seafood Industrial Park Authority [Authority] conducted a feasibility study for future growth because its current facility in Wanchese was built-out. The Perquimans County Commerce Centre was subsequently selected by the Authority as the #1 site for such a park, During 2008, Perquimans County and the Authority signed a Letter of Intent that stated that the County would provide approximately 70 acres of Commerce Centre land to the Authority and enter into a partnership for the development of a marine park within the Commerce Centre. In 2009, an Operating Agreement will be signed between the County and Authority that will provide for the development, promotion and operation of the Park. It is anticipated that when the Park is fully developed it will have over 20 businesses, with approximately 400 employees, and will be the major economic development initiative within Perquimans County. To achieve this goal, a $17.4 million Economic Development Infrastructure Package needs to be funded and implemented. Design/engineering work for this package should be completed by June, 2009 and activities have already begun to obtain the necessary environmental permits. It is estimated that work on Phase 1 of this infrastructure package could begin by early 2010 if approximately $5 million of infrastructure funding can be committed. North Carolina Seafood Industrial Park Authority contact: Bob Peele |
