Title
a. Consider entering into a Cooperative Agreement with the University California, Santa Cruz and the Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA) to advance job creation through support of development of the UC Monterey Bay Education Science & Technology Center (UC MBEST); and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of the Economic Development Department to sign the Cooperative Agreement on behalf of Monterey County
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Consider entering into a Cooperative Agreement with the University California Santa Cruz and the Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA) to advance job creation through support of development of the UC Monterey Bay Education Science & Technology Center (UC MBEST); and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of the Economic Development Department to sign the Cooperative Agreement on behalf of Monterey County.
SUMMARY:
In 1994, the University of California obtained more than 1,100 acres from the historic Fort Ord. 605 acres will be managed as a habitat reserve by the UC Natural Reserve System. The balance of approximately 484 acres is planned for development and use as research and development center, which will be named the University of California Monterey Bay Education Science & Technology Center or UC MBEST for short. The UC MBEST project has been managed by the University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz), which has received approximately $5.3 million of federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant funding for infrastructure improvements for roads. The original goal of the funds was to create local economic stimulus, with expectations of creating jobs and generating local revenues, as well as achieving environmental solutions. The goals today remain the same with a new level of cooperation.
UC Santa Cruz Chancellor George, Blumenthal, has agreed to work with FORA and the County of Monterey to stimulate marketing and job opportunity activities at the UC MBES...
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