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November 28, 2016
Contact: Alison Doyle, ISU Research Park
515.296.4204

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Ames, IA: The Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP) and the Story County Conservation Board have entered into a partnership for the development of a community green space to be located in the latest phase of the research park’s expansion.

In September, ISURP deeded approximately 37 acres of their new development to Story County in a unique partnership that will allow the county to own, develop, and manage an environmental learning corridor in the middle of the latest phase of ISURP development. A formalized working relationship between ISURP and Story County was approved at the February 16, 2016 Board of Supervisors meeting.

“We identified in our master planning process for the research park expansion that amenities and recreational opportunities were high priorities for our tenants and tenant prospects. The creation of this park and the trails systems that will interconnect it to the greater Ames community would have been insurmountable expenses had we not found partners,” said Steve Carter, president at ISURP. “We knew something like this would be a wonderful addition to ISURP and also the area, but we are in the business of serving companies. This partnership really brings the best partners together to do what they each do best. It also showcases what is possible when everyone shares a vision, and, in turn, it will provide a really nice amenity for our community.”

Story County Conservation intends for the greenbelt to serve as a community learning space. It will be designed as a live learning laboratory that will showcase and explore conservation techniques including habitat restoration, water quality improvements, sustainable technologies, and land and water quality awareness. The greenbelt will also contain interconnected recreational trails.

Work on the park is scheduled to be completed in three phases, with construction beginning in 2017 and completion slated for 2019. In July, $1.5 million was allocated by Story County for phase one. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Transportation approved stream mitigation funds for a portion of phase one.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the county to demonstrate how a collaborative approach to commercial development can be used to improve our economy, environment, and quality of life,” said Rick Sanders of the Story County Board of Supervisors. “We value these partnerships, our role in the ISURP, and the positive impacts this project will have on our community.”

“This partnership will serve Story County and Iowa in a new way by bringing county, city, university, and state agencies together to showcase how commercial development and natural resource conservation can be symbiotic,” said Ted Tedesco of the Story County Conservation Board. “It will focus on progressive approaches to resource protection, water quality improvements, environmental education, and recreation.”

ABOUT STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION

The mission of Story County Conservation is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens in Story County by wisely managing our natural resources, by providing recreational and leisure opportunities, and by educating citizens to be wise caretakers of our natural environment. Story County Conservation manages over 3,000 acres of parks and natural areas for outdoor recreation and takes an active role in developing and managing wildlife habitat throughout the county, including assistance to private landowners. For more information about Story County Conservation, call (515) 232-2516 or visit www.storycountyconservation.org.

ABOUT ISU RESEARCH PARK

The Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP) is a 29-year-old real estate development community closely affiliated with Iowa State University. ISURP assists both established and startup companies in connecting with Iowa State’s vast infrastructure to grow their enterprises; whether through students, research entities, equipment or a multitude of other resources. ISURP is currently home to more than 70 companies, employs 1,700 people and occupies 600,000 square feet of commercial real estate on 400 acres. ISURP recently expanded into 200 acres of developable space, which will include tenant amenities, a park and multi-use trails. For more information on ISURP, call 515.296.4204 or visit isupark.org.