The City of Orange Economic Development Corporation will look at ways to provide drinkable water to the industrial plants on Chemical Row. The water was one of the ways mentioned Tuesday to help get new business and keep established ones in the city.
The city’s Economic Development Corporation board of directors met with consultant John Johnson for an update on strategic economic development. Johnson is with the firm the city hired last year, Griffith, Moseley, Johnson and Associates of Port Arthur.
City officials have met with industrial plant officials at breakfast gatherings. The plants use well water for drinking. “They really want to get out of the drinking water business and we’re really good at it,” said City Manager Shawn Oubre.
Oubre said the city could expand current water lines to FM 1006, known as ‘Chemical Row,’ or drill a new well to provide city water. The plants would pay the city regular rates for the water.
Members of the economic development board talked about how providing city water would help keep the companies in Orange, encourage expansion and attract new plants.
Johnson said Orange has registered with the governor’s office that helps companies find suitable sites in Texas. Soon after getting on the list, Orange had a company show interest. Johnson said the company, though, wanted to be closer to the Houston port.
“We’re waving our flag and letting them know we’re here,” Johnson said.
Besides working on industrial plants, Johnson and the city’s economic development corporation are also looking at commercial, retail and residential development.
The economic development corporation is also looking at ways to keep young people in Orange rather than moving away after graduation. The corporation has contacted school superintendents and school principals. Probably in the fall a youth committee will be formed to get their ideas.
George Mortimer, chairman of the board, said he’s excited about the process because there’s “a lot of misconceptions going around” about the city’s commitment and work on economic development.
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