Donald Witkowski
Cape May County is preparing to break ground on the second phase of the Cape May Airport project, which will help diversify the local economy and create new jobs in high-tech industries.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Tech Village II complex is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, April 23, at Rio Grande's airport. The public is invited to join Cape May County commissioners and other officials at the ceremony.
The project represents a major expansion of the Tech Village I complex, which Cape May County launched in 2019 in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
The EDA will also be involved in funding the Tech Village II project, which is “a dynamic and supportive environment for budding new industries to thrive and grow in Cape May County,” according to a county news release. is intended to provide.
In February, the county announced the approval of a nearly $3 million EDA grant to help finance the new two-story Tech Village II project, located across from the airport's Tech Village I development. The total cost of the project is approximately $6.3 million, according to the county.
EDA representatives will join county officials at the groundbreaking ceremony to speak about the project and its impact on economic development throughout the county.
While summer tourism and seasonal employment are a major part of Cape May County's economy, the Tech Village development will serve as an innovation hub for technology businesses such as the aviation, communications, and medical industries, as well as provide year-round employment for local residents. will be useful in creating
“We are excited to embark on this exciting project that will not only support the growth of the local economy, but also foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. For new businesses to connect, collaborate and innovate. By providing this dedicated space, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for our county,” said County Commissioner Leonard Desiderio, who also serves as Sea Isle City Mayor.
County Commissioner Bob Barr, the commission's economic development officer, thanked EDA and U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew for their support of the airport and Tech Village project.
Barr emphasized that the project will help support the county's plan to strengthen the local economy through a burgeoning high-tech industry.
“This project underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of start-ups to secure more year-round, good-paying jobs in our region. is very excited about the future of this site,” he said in County News. release.
