State grants New Albany $85 million for infrastructure upgrades near Intel

Gary Seman Jr., ThisWeek
·2 min read

With the help of an $85 million grant from the state of Ohio, New Albany should be able to begin making roadway and infrastructure improvements in anticipation of Intel’s arrival.

New Albany City Council on May 17 voted 6-0 on a resolution that will authorize the city manager to enter into agreements to facilitate the design, construction and management of public infrastructure improvements in and near the 1,689-acre technology manufacturing district, which will include the land for Intel’s microchip-processing facility.

An $85 million grant from the state is expected to help the city of New Albany make needed road and infrastructure improvements in the recently annexed area where Intel will build its chip-making facilities.
An $85 million grant from the state is expected to help the city of New Albany make needed road and infrastructure improvements in the recently annexed area where Intel will build its chip-making facilities.

Council member Andrea Wiltrout was absent.

The authorization applies only to projects that have funds appropriated, according to the legislation. It does not negate the request for proposals, requests for quotation, construction manager-at-risk and bid processes normally in place; the city will continue to use those processes, according to the legislation.

"New Albany has contributed roughly $1 million toward the project, with 75% of that being part of the due diligence necessary to win the project," said Scott McAfee, the city's chief communications and marketing officer. "We are also purchasing software and hiring staff specifically to coordinate the Intel project."

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All RFPs and RFQs would go through their normal channels, said Jennifer Chrysler, the city's director of community development.

“This legislation will allow us to complete the work in a timely fashion,” Chrysler said. “It’s important to note that it does not negate the normal RFP, RFQ and bid processes, but it will help us meet important construction timeframes.”

Bidding for projects also would go to council for approval, McAfee said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s more to come,” he said. “You’re not just talking about roads; you’re talking about all the technology structure; you’re talking about water – you’re talking about a ton of stuff.”

No timeline has been set for construction on the improvements beyond major work already identified by the city at newalbanyohio.org/answers/new-albany-silicon-heartland, McAfee said.

Yet Intel officials have said the company plans to have the facility open by 2025, he said.

"But the sequence and coordination of all the projects leading up to the 2025 opening is still being planned," he said.

gseman@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekGary

This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: State grants New Albany $85M for infrastructure upgrades near Intel site