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WestGate releases bidding process
 
WestGate Authority names Runnebohm Construction as Construction Quality Management Agent (CQMA) for $8 million WestGate Academy construction

Timeline for development, general contractor bidding being finalized

CRANE, Indiana (February 18) — The WestGate Authority named Runnebohm Construction of Shelbyville, Indiana as the Construction Quality Management Agent (CQMA) for the $8 million WestGate Academy project, clearing the way for the development to formally begin, according to Kent Parisien, president.

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce has committed to a $6.6 million grant for the project in the WestGate @ Crane Technology Park. The $8 million facility will include a business accelerator and conference and training space to serve both training needs at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) adjacent to the park and new tech-focused entrepreneurial companies.

The project, which will be completed in 2012, is expected to create about 250 jobs and generate nearly $11 million in private investment, according to Greg Jones, executive director of the Southern Indiana Development Commission (SIDC). Additional funding for the project will be provided by the WestGate Authority, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), and the Daviess County Economic Development Foundation.

"The WestGate Academy represents a critically important development both for the park and the region, and we were pleased to have such a high quality response to our request for proposals for the CQMA position," said Parisien.

Runnebohm Construction was selected from three finalist companies following a two-month intensive review of applicants, including direct interviews with principals. Runnebohm has completed hundreds of construction projects throughout Indiana since 1968.

The company will directly represent the Authority and will oversee construction and development matters for the WestGate Academy project.

"We understand how important this Academy project is both for the WestGate, NSWC Crane and the region, particularly given our experience working with economic development groups around the state," said Chris King, executive vice president of Runnebohm Construction. "We look forward to working with all partners to achieve excellent outcomes for the WestGate Authority."

Dale Ankrom of DEA, Inc., is serving as the architect for the WestGate Academy project. Final plans for the Academy will be submitted for EDA approval in late March.

Approval of the plans for construction by the EDA is expected to be achieved by the end of April, and the WestGate Authority expects to publish a formal bidding process by early May, according to Parisien.

"As events progress we expect to receive proposals to serve as the general contractor for the Academy project and review them during the month of June," Parisien explained. The Authority's final decision is expected to be made by the end of June, and will be followed by a formal groundbreaking with the new general contractor.

"Both NSWC Crane and several companies in the region already have plans for the Academy, so we hope to have it open for business by mid-summer in 2012," Parisien said.

More than 100,000 sq.ft. of all-new laboratory, commercial, office and mixed use space has been developed in the WestGate park since 2007, and the WestGate expects to add another 100,000 sq. ft. of new construction by the end of 2011, according to Parisien.

The WestGate park is presently home to technology operations of major defense companies like SAIC, URS, CACI, ITT, CSC, Raydar & Associates, Novonics, NAVMAR, Stimulus Engineering and Technical Services Corporation (TSC), as well as other technology companies.

The park is also expected to benefit from growth associated with the 2012 opening of I-69 in the region. The new Interstate will pass within a few miles of the WestGate, and a new traffic ramp located near the park is expected to increase commercial logistics operations in the region, according to R.J. Reynolds, president and CEO of the Radius Indiana regional partnership.

More than 275 new high-technology positions have been created in the WestGate in the past few years, including positions filled by residents from Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Knox, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen, Vigo and other counties. Total direct employment in the park now is about 600 employees and payroll for about 1,500 technology-related positions in the NSWC Crane region originates from the WestGate.

About the WestGate @ Crane Technology Park Qualified as a state Certified Technology Park (CTP) by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the WestGate @ Crane Technology Park represents a natural marketplace for defense contractors currently providing technical support, and research and development services to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division in southern Indiana. Operations of the $2 billion URS corporation, and SAIC, the nation's 7th largest defense contractor, in addition to ITT, CACI, CSC, Raydar & Associates, Novonics, NAVMAR, Stimulus Engineering and Technical Services Corporation (TSC), already maintain operations in the park. For more information, please visit www.westgatecrane.com. For media inquiries about the WestGate, please contact Michael Snyder at The MEK Group: 317-805-4870 or e-mail: msnyder@themekgroup.com.

About Runnebohm Construction Runnebohm Construction Company, Inc., provides clients in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky with high-quality construction services since 1968. Founded by Nick Runnebohm, the company has focused on understanding the needs of its clients and exceeding expectations in Design/Build and the Commercial, Industrial, and Retail construction markets, including "green" LEED design. The company is known as an industry expert in developing and implementing solutions to meet its client's needs. The company has adopted a "Solutions. Not Surprises." philosophy to describe the value engineering process that takes place during the planning phases and throughout construction of each project. Headquartered in Shelbyville, Indiana, Runnebohm is a member of the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) and a member of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association. Through ABC, Runnebohm Construction has been named an "Accredited Quality Contractor" for its demonstrated commitment in worker safety, benefits, training, and community involvement. For more information, please visit www.runnebohm.com.

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