The first of 20 proposed projects is already underway: an upgrade of the Space Power Facility at Sandusky's Plum Brook Station where NASA vehicles are tested prior to launch. Also on deck at both Plum Brook and the main campus at Cleveland are new gates and entryways, road improvements and administration buildings. NASA Glenn's Ricky Shyne says the number of jobs generated from the plan will be released in November.
Ricky Shyne: We firmly believe we will grow. To what extent I don't want to nail down - but this is a growth potential for us.
As many as one-fourth of the 150 buildings on the Cleveland campus will come down including office buildings now in the Fairview Park section of NASA Glenn. That would be a $630,000 dollar blow to Fairview Park's annual income tax collection. NASA Glenn's chief architect Joe Morris says they're working with the Cleveland Cuyahoga County Port Authority to find outside investors, hopefully by 2010.
Joe Morris: At that point in time those buildings will be closed and we'll make way for future tenants. A lot of it will depend on how the Port Authority or others might be able to help this happens as to how quickly things develop there.
NASA Glenn is also looking to lease as much as 20% of its Sandusky campus to aeronautics or energy related companies. Possible ideas include everything from a water treatment plant to a space theme tourist park. I'm Mhari Saito, 90.3.