County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III Announces Final Submission of Prince George’s County Sites for Amazon HQ2

Press Release

 

For immediate release:

October 19, 2017

 

For more information, contact:

Scott L. Peterson

Deputy Manager of Communications/Press Secretary

Cell: 240-619-9400

 

County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III Announces Final Submission of Prince George’s County Sites for Amazon HQ2

 

Upper Marlboro, MD:  Today, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III confirmed that the County had submitted its response to the Amazon HQ2 Request for Proposals (RFP) to the Seattle-based company.  The County’s comprehensive RFP submission addressed all of Amazon’s criteria for its second headquarters, with critical data on the regional workforce, educational strengths, transportation access, business climate, quality of life, and incentives. 

 

As previously announced, the Prince George’s County RFP submission will include sites near the College Park, Greenbelt and New Carrollton Metro stations.  A site at the Konterra development was also included in the County’s proposal to Amazon.  Each of these sites specifically addresses the requirements of the Amazon RFP.  On September 19, 2017, County Executive Baker held a press conference in regards to the Prince George’s County sites for Amazon HQ2, to view that press conference please click here.

 

“Over the past six years, Prince George’s County has worked diligently to transform our local economy.  As a result, we have seen significant economic growth that is creating jobs and generating revenue,” said County Executive Baker.  “We have lead the State of Maryland in job creation over the last three reporting quarters, our travel and tourism industry is growing rapidly and we have seen household income and housing values make dramatic upward shifts.  It is gratifying to see the tremendous support and enthusiasm we have received from the business community as we prepared our  bid for this game changing project.  Landing Amazon would be a huge win for any jurisdiction in Maryland, as well as the National Capital Region.  I want to thank our ‘Amazon HQ2 Team’ for the rapid and comprehensive proposal that they submitted.  I am confident that Prince George’s County put forth one of the strongest bids anywhere for Amazon HQ2.  Prince George’s County is the Place to Be and I think our proposal will send that message to Amazon executives.”

 

In response to the RFP, the County emphasized that it as part of the Washington-Baltimore region, which boasts a population of over 10 million residents and is home to the nation’s most educated workforce.  In addition, the region has unequaled transportation options, including mass transportation, highway networks, and three airports.  Prince George’s County is also home to the State’s flagship University of Maryland, known around the globe for superior technology, science, engineering and management programs. 

 

The State of Maryland has identified an outstanding incentive package that will be made available to all Maryland Amazon HQ2 proposals.  The details of the state’s incentive package were included in the County’s bid submission, along with local county incentives. 

 

The County cited its experience with projects such as the recently opened $1.4 Billion MGM National Harbor Resort, the new University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) Capital Region Medical Center in Largo and the pursuit of the $2.5 Billion FBI Headquarters as examples of its expertise in handling projects of the size and scope of Amazon’s HQ2.  Additionally, all four Prince George’s County sites can meet both Amazon’s initial needs as well as any future growth scenarios. 

 

 

Attributes/Benefits of Proposed sites for Amazon HQ2:

College Park Metro Station:

8,000,000+ SF

128.5 Acres

Flexible Zoning

Accessible to flagship campus of the University of Maryland

Existing buildings, redevelopment sites, greenfields, future expansion areas

Direct access to Metro, MARC, and Purple Line (light rail)

Urban and suburban, walkable, bike-friendly neighborhoods

 

Greenbelt Metro Station:

14,000,000+ SF

225 Acres

Flexible Zoning

Accessible to flagship campus of University of Maryland

Existing buildings, redevelopment sites, greenfields, future expansion areas

Direct access to two Metro stops, MARC, and Purple Line light rail

Urban and suburban, walkable, bike friendly neighborhoods

 

New Carrollton Metro Station:

10,000,000+ SF

300+ Acres

Flexible Zoning

Existing buildings, redevelopment sites, greenfields, future expansion areas

Multiple transit options, including Metro, Amtrak, Acela, MARC, Purple Line, local and interstate buses

 

Konterra:

8,000,000+ SF

350 Acres at Konterra Town Center East (KTCE)

MXT Zoning

Equidistant from the University of Maryland – College Park and University of Maryland – Baltimore County

KTCE is entitled with 12 million square feet of mixed use development with water, sewer, electricity and gas available at site

MARC commuter rail station less than 1 mile from KTCE; Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) studies completed showing cost effective service to Greenbelt Metro station

KTCE internal road network has a focus on both pedestrian connections and bike lanes to also be connected to the City of Laurel and County regional networks

 

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