One of the most critical pieces of a rail-anchored industrial park is currently under construction at Iron Horse. The park is adding 7,000 feet of internal rail lines, which will have immediate connections to the Arkansas-Oklahoma and Union Pacific rail networks. With construction on the rail system progressing, tribal economic development director James Collard Ph.D. has been working to recruit businesses to the park, which is strategically located in the geographic center of the United States. His recruitment efforts recently led him to the SelectUSA conference in Washington, D.C.
“I have met with many different individuals and companies about what we have going on here and have made some really good contacts,” said Collard. “There were quite a few breakout sessions that helped us learn a lot more about what goes into teaming up with foreign investors. As far as we know, we were the only tribe down there and are looking forward to next year’s summit.”
The tribe is showing heavy interest in businesses and entities that manufacture renewable energy sources such as geothermal, solar and wind power because it’s consistent with Native American culture for preservation of the environment. Businesses looking to become a part of Iron Horse will be issued a HEARTH Act lease.
The leases allow for the authority of federally recognized tribes to develop and implement their own laws governing the long-term leasing of Indian lands for residential, business and other purposes.
To learn more about Iron Horse Industrial Park, please visit www.IronHorseCPN.com or contact the CPN Office of Economic Development at 405-275-3121.