By JIM BUTLER
The Delta Forge horse having long since left the barn, the England Authority today expects to get a glimpse of the cart it will pull.
Delta Forge 1 is the project name assigned to Applied Digital’s data center well under construction on 600+ acres near Boyce.
England commissioners accepted the development term sheet months ago.
An accompanying Cooperative Endeavor Agreement is being worked out, with today’s agenda calling for its introduction to be presented to the Authority for referral to committee hearing in November.
The CEA formalizes the working relationship between the parties, putting all the nuts and bolts together in one place. Commissioners will also be asked to agree to resolutions involving two other substantive developments.
A Payment In Lieu of Taxes and Bond Agreement is proposed in regard to expansion of the Coca-Cola facility off LA 28 West.
It includes 70% abatement or property taxes over 15 years, with every taxing body in the parish receiving pro-rata share if the payments.
During committee hearing it was said the company intends to request annexation into Alexandria.
Seventy-five new direct jobs are to be created, with 87 indirect ones involved.
The other proposal is one of intent to issue up to $52 million of Solid Waste Disposal Revenue bonds relative to the Biochar Project on LA 1 to finance certain solid waste facilities.
Details were reviewed in committee.
Bonding authority is included in the legislation that created the authority.
Twenty years ago it was used to provide $30 million for luring the Union Tank Car plant here.
In that instance, the state agreed to pay the debt service.
Commissioners are also being asked to enter a CEA with Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance for a host of services the multi-parish entity would provide.