City of Fort Worth, TX

27/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 28/08/2024 03:11

Momentum builds for UTA West as agreement receives council approval

Momentum builds for UTA West as agreement receives council approval

Published on August 27, 2024

Earlier this morning, City Council voted to approve an interlocal agreement between the City of Fort Worth and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) to help fund critical infrastructure development for the recently announced UTA West campus. The campus will be located approximately 12 miles from downtown Fort Worth, within the Walsh Ranch corridor.

The City of Fort Worth will provide $4 million from the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF), with one payment of $2 million occurring after the formal execution of the interlocal agreement and the other $2 million to serve as reimbursement after all infrastructure improvements have been completed.

"On behalf of the University of Texas at Arlington, we are very appreciative to the City of Fort Worth, Mayor Parker and City Council members for their support of UTA West," said Jennifer Cowley, president of UT Arlington.

"With our strong alumni base here and through the UTA Fort Worth Center, UTA Research Institute and our many partnerships, UTA is a top supplier of talent to many companies across Fort Worth. UTA West expands our decades-long partnership with Fort Worth and will help meet the future educational needs of one of the fastest-growing cities in the country."

UTA West will become the third UTA campus in Fort Worth, joining the UTA Fort Worth Center and the UTA Research Institute (UTARI).

"Today's approval of the interlocal agreement for UTA West marks a significant milestone for Fort Worth. UTA West will not only enhance educational opportunities, but also drive economic growth, create jobs, and solidify Fort Worth's position as a leader in higher education and workforce development," said Councilmember Michael D. Crain, District 3. "I look forward to the benefits this partnership between the City of Fort Worth and UTA will bring to residents in west Fort Worth for years to come."

"UTA West is not only an incredible investment in Fort Worth, but a catalyst that will have broad-reaching impacts across the entire region," said Robert Sturns, director of economic development for the City of Fort Worth. "We look forward to working with UTA in the years ahead to cultivate local talent pipelines in and around this growing part of our city."

The first phase of the campus' development will focus on the north parcel of the property, and will consist of up to five buildings totaling approximately 930,000 square feet, along with additional parking structures and other associated infrastructure.

Once both the north and south parcels are completely built out, UTA expects the full campus to encompass 1.5 million square feet - supporting up to nine buildings and 12,000 students. Ultimately, the campus is expected to serve as a catalyst to drive future economic development opportunities and support workforce development activities in this growing part of the city.

Alongside their commitments to install a number of utilities, lighting and an inner campus road, UTA has also committed to utilizing business equity firms for at least 15% of the total cost for all infrastructure improvements as part of the interlocal agreement.

Photo:Economic Development Director Robert Sturns, Mayor Mattie Parker, UTA President Jennifer Cowley and Councilmember Michael Crain of District 3 celebrate the approval of the interlocal agreement for UTA West.

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