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MAYS LANDING, N.J. – Outlining the next steps for the proposed Aviation Research & Technology Park in Atlantic County, U.S. Representative Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) today joined with the primary partners of the project at a press conference on the Richard Stockton College campus.
"There is clear progress on the proposed Aviation Research & Technology Park at the FAA Tech Center, and we need to keep that momentum going," said Congressman LoBiondo, a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee. “Once off the ground, the proposed aviation park will bring additional high-skilled jobs into South Jersey and fuel innovation in the aviation technology sector. Each of the project’s partners gathered here today have a critical role in making this proposal a reality, and I will continue to work them all in moving this project forward."
The proposed Aviation Research and Technology Park would be located on a 55 acre parcel controlled by the FAA's William J. Hughes Technical Center in Egg Harbor Township. The park will provide an environment where advanced concepts in aviation research can be explored by engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians and air traffic controllers to advance the modernization and protection of our national airspace system and increasing airspace and airport capacity. Leading the project are: the Atlantic County Improvement Authority under the Atlantic County Executive Office; the Richard Stockton College; and the New Jersey Aviation Research and Technology Consortium, with the support of the FAA Technical Center.
“Stockton’s partnership in the Aviation Research and Technology Park will provide the College with opportunities for education, internships and research far beyond that which is available to other liberal arts colleges,” Richard Stockton College President Dr. Herman Saatkamp Jr. said. “This project will help diversity the economics of our region with cutting edge technology in business and industry.”
“I am excited that we are nearing the final planning stages for the Aviation Research and Technology Park, and are about to begin the development and construction phases. When completed, the Park is expected to provide nearly 400 new and higher paying technical jobs, while providing the infrastructure and technologies necessary to evaluate and develop the next generation air transportation system of the future. I personally know of no other program within the state, or elsewhere, that offers such immediate benefits to it citizens and to the community as a whole,” said David Sparenberg, Chairman of the New Jersey Aviation Research and Technology Consortium.
“The William J. Hughes Technical Center will be the primary facility for conducting the advanced, state-of-the-art research and engineering activities required to support the nation’s new Next Generation Air Transportation System,” said Dr. Wilson Felder, Technical Center director. “The proposed Aviation Research and Technology Park would be a key contributor to this crucial effort that will affect the future flying public, both nationally and worldwide.”
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson, who was unable to attend the press conference, said he is grateful for Congressman LoBiondo's support of this innovative project. "As a result of his commitment, we are now closer to our goal of securing a state-of-the-art aviation research and technology park that will serve to strengthen our nation's evolving air transportation system."
Partner Efforts Currently Underway:
Ř Earlier this year, the Atlantic County Improvement Authority announced that it would fund a feasibility study to determine if the 55-acre site can support the proposed project. Funded by the South Jersey Economic Development District, the final results of that study being carried out by Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC are due in December 2006.
Ř A Board being led by the Richard Stockton College has filed for corporation and 501©3 status to advance the proposed Aviation Research Park. The non-profit will also identify companies both within and external of New Jersey for possible relocation to the site.
Ř On September 15th, Richard Stockton College, with the support of the FAA Tech Center, will be hosting a symposium that will encourage other universities and colleges in New Jersey to participate in the proposed Aviation Research Park project.
Federal Funding Secured:
Within the Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Appropriations process, LoBiondo has secured the following federal funding within the House-approved bills:
- $100,000 in a Small Business Grant under the FY2007 Science-State-Justice-Commerce Appropriations Bill. The grant, which would be awarded to the Richard Stockton College, passed the full House in June. (Awaiting Senate Action)
- $250,000 in an Economic Development Initiative Grant under the FY2007 Transportation-Treasury-Housing & Urban Development Appropriations Bill. The grant, which would be awarded to Atlantic County, passed the full House in July. (Awaiting Senate Action)
- $350,000 in a Post Secondary Education Grant under the FY2007 Labor-Health & Human Services Appropriations Bill. The grant, which would be awarded to the Richard Stockton College, has been approved by the full House Appropriations Committee but has not yet been considered on the House floor.
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