On Sunday the MNM ran an article on the proposed industrial park. The title of the article on the website read “Opinions concerning possibility of locating industry on former Army plant differ”. Perhaps a couple of words got left off. I think the title should be “Opinions concerning possibility of locating industry on former Army plant differ very little”.

Being an old engineer I often resort to a spreadsheet when comparing things. That is what I did here. All the text in the spreadsheet, with the exception of the questions, is taken directly from the text of the MNM article. Please review the spreadsheet found at the bottom of the page.

After reviewing the spreadsheet, I think that the composite answer to the question “Can an industrial park be developed at Caddo Lake? “ can be constructed from the answers of the three experts.

It would go like this:

“The lake site presents some difficult challenges to any industry considering the area. It would cost so much for industrialists to construct what they need in the way of infrastructure they would not be able to afford the project without funding assistance from both local and federal government.

Some plants require isolation for example -- A hydrochloric acid plant was built on the north edge of Bryan. Plant officials needed isolation so badly they built a buffer between the plant and more populated areas. A San Antonio Toyota plant also wanted a site with a huge buffer because the plant produces paint fumes.

It's hard to say it's a bad site for all business. It might be suitable for a unique user. But the trouble with developing for a unique user is that it's a long time between opportunities.”

With the exception of connector words every word in this answer if from one of the three experts and includes almost everthing at Mr. Mower ans Morgan said. I think the three differ very little.

After hearing what we can expect from an industrial park, I thinks Fuzzy Harmon’s idea to build a prison on the site is sounding pretty good!

To see the spreadsheet click below.