PDA APPROVES PURCHASE OF LOCKHEED MARTIN BUILDING

 In a brief called meeting Monday, the Americus-Sumter  Payroll Development Authority unanimously approved the purchase of the Lockheed Martin administrative and manufacturing building at 300 Martin Marietta Drive.

The building comes with a price tag of $700,000 for the building and 15 acres of land, said PDA Executive Director David Garriga.

"This is an excellent price considering what it took to build such a facility at today's costs," Garriga said. "The land cost of $44,000 ... allows 11 acres of additional property that could be used to attract and locate other companies."

Garriga said the building is in "excellent condition and could serve multiple uses, such as light manufacturing, retail and telecommunications."

He added the building is a "very short distance from the ... CISCO telecommunications switch that is owned by the PDA and is located in the Apollo Health Street facility." This switch would allow telecommunications companies to move into adjacent facilities and be able to operate.

"Ownership of this type of building would enhance Sumter County's ability to recruit and retain new and expanding employers," Garriga added.  He also said the purchase would be within the the strategic plans of the PDA.  "It's certainly a plus for us in the economic development game," Garriga added.

PDA members agreed, and PDA member Scott Ivey motioned for the approval at Chairman Paul Hall's request, because Ivey had overseen the project. Ivey's motion was seconded by PDA member Mike Donnelly and there were no votes against the motion.

Attorney Mike Fennessy said that the lawyers for Lockheed Martin asked him to work out an "Occupancy Agreement," specifying when Lockheed Martin will vacate the building and when the PDA would take ownership, as well as other matters related to change of ownership