Water key to Pasadena’s economic development

Source: Kristi Nix Houston Community Newspapers

Nestlé Waters North America Inc., the nation’s largest bottled water, operates a 312,000 square-foot plant in Pasadena that produces approximately 85,000 bottles an hour.

Abundant water resources and a business-friendly permitting process proved key assets to attracting two water bottling companies to build multi-million dollar facilities in Pasadena, according to Paul Davis, Director of Economic Development.

The Citizen recently sat down with Davis and Pasadena’s Director of Public Works Robin Green to talk about the city’s recent economic development successes.

In 2011, company officials from Nestlé Waters North America Inc. announced plans to build a $30 million facility in Pasadena. The nation’s largest bottled water company now produces approximately 85,000 bottles an hour from their 312,000 square-foot plant on Red Bluff Rd.

Then in 2015, the makers of Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water, CG Roxane, struck a deal to build a new water bottling facility in Pasadena. As part of the agreement, city officials agreed to sell the California-based company a 20-acre site on Leesa Lane at Genoa Red Bluff Road for $2.4 million where the new facility will be constructed in two phases over a five to seven-year period. The company expects to invest roughly $30 million during the first phase which is expected to be completed this May.

Davis said offering a business-friendly process was crucial to the city’s economic development efforts.

“One of the most attractive things we could offer these companies is we could move quickly,” he said.

In most cities, obtaining a city permit can be an arduous and time consuming process for many new business. In contrast, Pasadena was able to offer a three to four week turnaround.

Having an abundant water supply was another selling point.

“We have the water and we were able to offer both companies an attractive rate,” Green said. “Pasadena maintains 20-percent ownership of the South East Water Purification Plant and over the years we’ve continued to invest in the plant to retain our position as co-owner.”

The city’s economic development efforts are led by the Pasadena Second Century Corporation (PSCC), which receives funding via a half-cent sales tax that generates roughly $9 million in annual funding for economic development and various public purpose projects. PSCC is led by Chairman Roy Mease and a seven-member Board of Directors appointed by Mayor Isbell and the Pasadena City Council.

For more information about PSCC, visit www.pasadena-development.com