The Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority's 2007 Update to its 10-year Capital Plan is now complete. The final, Board-accepted version of the 2007 update to the plan is now online. The plan predicts $21 million in capital improvements through now and 2016.

The final document is an update to a 10-year plan first created in March 2003. It is an outline of the planned improvements to the infrastructure, superstructure, real property, and personal property under the responsibility of the Port Authority.

It is forward-looking and intended to help guide the Port Authority in future capital expenditures and allocation of limited resources.

It is not a final determination of capital improvements to be made but an advisory document that should always be considered a work in progress.

Under the theme "Listening," the Port Authority engaged in a four-step process for preparation of this document.

Step one involved an internal, detailed look at the past plan and coordination of the plans as well as a comprehensive look at the future plans for the Port Authority and its properties.

Step two saw publishing of a first draft with time for review and comment by our customers and those with an interest in the preservation and advancement of the Central Ohio Aerospace and Technology Center.

A listening session was conducted at the Port Authority offices April 12, 2007. A comment form was also available online with comments accepted through the end of April, 2007. Customers were notified of the planning process via various e-newsletters, weekly report communications, marquees, and on-site message boards.

Step three saw finalization of the document through incorporation of customer comments and alignment of costs, time frames, and projected revenue sources. The Port Authority Board's Planning Committee, which is charged with semi-annual review of the capital improvements, met May 8, 2007 for a detailed review of plans, including a walk-through of key upcoming projects.