NASA has land to lease

PERKINS TWP. — NASA has announced it is inviting proposals to lease land parcels at the Neil Armstrong Test Facility, part of the NASA Glenn Research Center, located in Erie County. The agency is seeking proposals to lease more than 1,700 acres across five parcels located on the Armstrong Test Facility campus. The land is currently part of a buffer area, supporting NASA operations, and is being made available through an enhanced use lease program, which allows partners to utilize underused federal property while supporting NASA's mission. Proposals for the parcels are due by July 2. Interested parties should contact NASA's headquarters real estate division at hq-realestate@mail.nasa.gov. Lay of the land Alongside local and regional partners, the Greater Sandusky Partnership is supporting efforts to market the available land and provide information to organizations interested in submitting a proposal. "Supporting NASA's presence here and exploring opportunities that strengthen the long-term vitality of the campus has long been a priority for our community," partnership CEO Eric Wobser said. "This is an opportunity to attract investment that complements the work taking place at the facility while helping to diversify our regional economy," Wobser said. "We have worked closely with the Erie County commissioners, the NASA Armstrong Advocacy Coalition and other local partners to advance this effort." The Armstrong Test Facility spans more than 6,400 acres and includes specialized testing infrastructure that supports NASA missions and the broader aerospace industry. Through the lease program, the land offered could support a range of compatible uses, including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, technology, research and other related industries. Organizations interested in learning more about the lease opportunity can review NASA's official announcement and proposal materials at nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-invites-land-lease-proposals. The partnership will continue working with regional partners to share information about the available parcels and connect interested organizations with resources related to NASA's proposal process. Speaking up Many officials spoke about the significance of leasing land parcels on NASA's grounds: • Matt Lasko, the partnership's chief development officer: "Bringing these parcels to market allows the region to highlight the assets that exist at the Armstrong Test Facility and the surrounding community. We will continue working with local partners and NASA to help organizations interested in the site understand the opportunity and proposal process." • Marcy Kaptur, U.S. Rep, D-Toledo: "With cooperation and a shared commitment to economic growth, this is a real opportunity to move Sandusky and Erie County forward. By leveraging NASA Armstrong's land assets and the significant federal investments we have made there, we can unlock a powerful engine for job creation and economic development. This kind of forward-thinking partnership will help attract high-wage employers and allow our region to thrive. I commend Erie County and the Greater Sandusky Partnership for helping to lead this effort to bring new opportunity and lasting growth to our region." • Tim Coleman, Perkins Township trustee: "We look forward to working with local and regional partners and NASA to help interested parties with the opportunity for job creation and economic development. This is a positive game-changer for our region that will have benefits for years to come. Our community development department will assist with the future needs for this economic development opportunity." • Pat Shenigo, Erie County commissioner: "We are excited at the potential development of unused land at the NASA Armstrong Test Facility. Our community needs development that brings high-paying jobs and a better quality of life for those who live, work and raise a family in Erie County."