The regular meeting of the Avard Regional Rail Park Authority was held Tuesday evening at the Northwest Technology Center campus. All members were present including Bob Firth, Stan Bixler, Joe Royster, Ed Sutter and Todd Holder. Also attending were County Clerk Shelley Reed, County Commissioner Randy McMurphy and Exectuive Director Sonja Williams.

No railway cars of gravel have been unloaded, and the asphalt plant at the site is slow because of winter weather.

The cash bank balance is $402,825.91. About the only change from the last meeting was the deposit of a $45,204.55 insurance check paid because of damage to the collapsed Clearspan Building. That insurance amount represents about half the money needed to repair the building. The group decided not to repair it until a possible tenant shows interest.

In a discussion about a possible tenant to the rail park, Excel Stimulation LLC, they have agreed to the rail park's terms and are waiting on BNSF regarding environmental agreements.

Sonja Williams reported she has made some changes in the water permit form requested by the DEQ and has resubmitted it.

Ed Sutter and Todd Holder reported they had inspected the RV rental property in Avard. They said it was very attractive having been mowed, with utility hook ups in place. They still need to determine a rental rate.

The automatic renewal of the Martin Marietta lease has occurred and will be in effect for five years unless either party gives a 30-day notice.

Sonja Williams reported the Cleanline transmission line project is on hold. The line was to transmit energy from wind-rich areas to the Memphis area. The project has not been canceled, simply placed on hold.