For existing employers, that means helping address challenges and pursue expansion. For prospective businesses, it means helping them understand local sites, infrastructure and workforce resources and connecting them with community partners. We also consider how investment can strengthen public services and support the people who call this region home. Bringing opportunities forward for consideration is part of ERDA’s responsibility. Approval rests with the appropriate public authorities through the required review process.
Project Thunderbird is one such opportunity. It deserves careful evaluation grounded in facts, with meaningful opportunities for questions to be asked and input be heard. There is potential for significant private investment, skilled employment and additional revenue for public services. The current proposal projects roughly 4,000 construction jobs during a five-to-seven-year buildout and up to 600 permanent positions at full development. It also proposes infrastructure that could strengthen power and fiber resilience for Vance Air Force Base. These are projected benefits, subject to the project’s final design, approvals and implementation.
Residents also deserve clear answers about water, electricity, noise, traffic, nearby properties and public impact. The current proposal calls for privately funded, on-site natural-gas power generation to supply the development’s electricity needs. The cooling plan uses raw Kaw Lake water in a recirculating system rather than Enid’s treated drinking water, with estimated average consumption of 1.54 million gallons per day at full buildout. Those details provide a starting point for evaluating impacts and the protections needed.
Project Thunderbird remains subject to public review and final approval. Rezoning is an initial step, followed by the required intensive-use review addressing matters such as water, power, traffic, noise, construction and cleanup. That process includes public notice and comment and consideration by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and the Mayor and Board of Commissioners. Final commitments and enforceable requirements matter.
I care deeply about the decisions that shape our community. People can reach different conclusions while sharing that same concern for Enid. My hope is that we can discuss the proposal on its merits, listen respectfully and extend that respect to everyone participating. Thoughtful questions and differing viewpoints can help us reach the best decision.
Review the proposal at projectthunderbird.com, submit questions, and provide input. ERDA will continue its work to help our community evaluate economic opportunities. Enid deserves a decision informed by reliable information, enforceable protections and a clear understanding of the value this project could deliver.