MassDevelopment.com: Press Room: MassDevelopment, U.S. Army Execute Land Swap Agreement to Support Bristol-Myers Squibb Massachusetts Plant

U.S. Army Execute Land Swap Agreement to Support Bristol-Myers Squibb Massachusetts Plant
June 21, 2006

Contacts:
Adam Bickelman, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086

MassDevelopment today announced the execution of a land swap agreement transferring 13.6 acres of land located at 15-21 Queenstown Road in Devens from the U.S. Army to the agency. The land completes the 91-acre parcel on which pharmaceutical manufacturer Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) will build a $660 million manufacturing plant in Devens. That facility will eventually employ an estimated 550 workers in the region.

"This agreement provides land Bristol-Myers needs to build its facility and create high-paying jobs for Massachusetts," said Governor Mitt Romney. "The decision by Bristol-Myers demonstrates that Massachusetts is an attractive place for biotech manufacturing. I commend the Army, the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for making this agreement a priority."

Specifically, the agreement transfers the parcel of Army-owned land, currently used by the 1st /25th U.S. Marine Corps battalion, to MassDevelopment, the quasi-public agency charged with redeveloping Devens. In return for the land, MassDevelopment will install utilities, renovate two existing buildings at the Devens Reserve Forces Training Area and relocate Marine operations to the new location.

"BMS's decision to make Devens the home of its new manufacturing facility is proof positive that MassDevelopment, the Army and the local community all understand the vital role the Commonwealth plays in the life sciences," said U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy. "The Devens community joins us today in welcoming BMS and beginning a new chapter in the redevelopment of Devens."

To support the state's effort to fast-track the land swap agreement, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection partnered with the New England regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expedite required environmental site assessment and impact statement reviews.

"Just as we understand the negative impact of a base closure on a regional or state economy, we also recognize the potential value of properties like Devens in attracting major investments from firms like Bristol-Myers Squibb," said Congressman Marty Meehan. "I am proud to have helped move this project forward. This is an important victory for Massachusetts and a major milestone as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Devens."

"We made it a priority to work with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to execute this agreement as quickly as possible, given the overwhelmingly positive impact this project will have on residents and businesses of Devens and the surrounding communities," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Whitaker. "This effort meets military needs as we transition to a new joint Armed Forces Reserve Center at Devens."

"This agreement shows that when local, state and federal officials work together with communities, we can achieve more than we do working apart," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA's New England office. "This key Devens parcel will be put back into productive use for the community; a perfect example of how teamwork can result in revitalization of a former military base."

"Less than two weeks after BMS chose Massachusetts for its new manufacturing facility, we’re already seeing an important cornerstone of this project fall in to place," said Robert L. Culver, MassDevelopment president/CEO. "The level of cooperation that brought us to this announcement represents government at its finest."

Located in north central Massachusetts and managed by MassDevelopment, Devens is home to more than 80 businesses employing approximately 4,200. Created by statute in 1993 to support business growth and attract economic development opportunities in the region, the 4,400-acre enterprise zone features fast-track permitting and other incentives for businesses. The former military installation is recognized today as a national model for military base redevelopment. Along with its business tenants, the Devens community also includes more than 2,100 acres of recreation and open space, private residences, schools, and a network of human and social services providers. Together these organizations and amenities attract more than 200,000 visitors to Devens annually.

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development authority, works with businesses, financial institutions and local officials to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. In fiscal year 2005, MassDevelopment financed or managed 158 projects statewide representing an investment of nearly $1.9 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are supporting the creation of 2,769 housing units and more than 9,800 jobs: 4,702 permanent and 5,100 in construction.