No power, no progress: Bar K Business Park development stalls in Longview

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - Longview Economic Development Corporation’s Bar K Business Park is in a temporary holding pattern. Getting utilities in place has been slowing progress on the 1,100-acre plot of raw land located off Reeves Road and Highway 80 between Longview and Hallsville.

LEDCO CEO Wayne Mansfield says 1,100 acres of land was purchased by LEDCO about a year and a half ago, but until utilities can be put in place development has stalled.

“There are some existing utilities there. There is a gas line that runs through the property, 24-inch, I believe. And there is power adjacent to the site running along Highway 80,” Mansfield said.

There are also power lines along Stan Summers Road which runs through the property but:

“Is it adequate enough for companies that we want to approve there? And that’s why we’re working with SWEPCO to find a strategy to ensure that we’ve got adequate power there for future companies,” Mansfield said.

But there is internet access in the area.

“Fortunately for us too there is a fiber optics line running down 80. I believe there’s actually two. And so, it’s a little more advanced than you would think,” Mansfield said.

The water utilities may come from two sources.

“It would be the City of Longview providing the sewer. The water is a matter that we have to work out because it’s actually in Gum Springs certificated area,” Mansfield said.

He says a layout for roads is still being worked out, as are overall cost projections and a starting date

Mansfield says the Longview Business Park has a 20 and an 18-acre plot available for development. The North Business Park is about 85% full with a few 20-to-25-acre parcels available there.