Mid City Times

Published on August 27, 2024

Earlier this morning, City Council voted to approve an interlocal agreement between the City of Fort Worth and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) to help fund critical infrastructure development for the recently announced UTA West campus. The campus will be located approximately 12 miles from downtown Fort Worth, within the Walsh Ranch corridor.

The City of Fort Worth will provide $4 million from the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF), with one payment of $2 million occurring after the formal execution of the interlocal agreement and the other $2 million to serve as reimbursement after all infrastructure improvements have been completed.

“On behalf of the University of Texas at Arlington, we are very appreciative to the City of Fort Worth, Mayor Parker and City Council members for their support of UTA West,” said Jennifer Cowley, president of UT Arlington. “With our strong alumni base here and through the UTA Fort Worth Center, UTA Research Institute and our many partnerships, UTA is a top supplier of talent to many companies across Fort Worth. UTA West expands our decades-long partnership with Fort Worth and will help meet the future educational needs of one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.”

UTA West will become the third UTA campus in Fort Worth, joining the UTA Fort Worth Center and the UTA Research Institute (UTARI).

“Today’s approval of the interlocal agreement for UTA West marks a significant milestone for Fort Worth. UTA West will not only enhance educational opportunities but also drive economic growth, create jobs, and solidify Fort Worth’s position as a leader in higher education and workforce development,” said Councilmember Michael D. Crain, District 3. “I look forward to the benefits this partnership between the City of Fort Worth and UTA will bring to residents in west Fort Worth for years to come.”

“UTA West is not only an incredible investment in Fort Worth but a catalyst that will have broad-reaching impacts across the entire region,” said Robert Sturns, director of economic development for the City of Fort Worth. “We look forward to working with UTA in the years ahead to cultivate local talent pipelines in and around this growing part of our city.”

The first phase of development will focus on up to five buildings totaling approximately 930,000 square feet on the north parcel along with additional parking structures and associated infrastructure.

Once both parcels are fully developed, UTA expects a total campus size encompassing 1.5 million square feet – supporting up to nine buildings and 12,000 students. The campus aims to drive future economic development opportunities and support workforce activities in this growing area.

Alongside commitments to install utilities, lighting, and an inner campus road, UTA has committed to utilizing business equity firms for at least 15% of total infrastructure improvement costs as part of this agreement.

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