Returning to what he said is “kind of becoming home to me,” Lt. Gov. Bruce Johnson presented a $200,000 check toward building the Tuscarawas Regional Technology Park at New Philadelphia.

The grant will be used to extend utilities into the 170 acres.

Johnson made the presentation in the Advanced Technology Center of the Tuscarawas Campus of Kent State University at New Philadelphia.

The master plan for the park’s design also was unveiled.

It was Johnson’s third trip to the campus regarding the park since 2002. He is also the director of the Ohio Department of Development, which now has contributed $1 million toward the project.

Johnson said that the park will be critical in a “grow your own strategy” of innovation and technology that is the key to economic prosperity in the state. The park is considered an example of what Gov. Bob Taft wants from his Third Frontier Project, a 10-year, $1.6 billion plan to create more high-wage jobs for Ohio’s future.

“The key to success is continuous innovation,” Johnson said, adding it has been the case from 200 years ago through today.

Pointing out that tech park jobs could pay into the $60,000 range annually, Johnson said Ohio must be a leader in economic development. Ohio is focusing on how its industrial strength intersects with research and development, he said.

“If you are a follower, you will compete with the Chinese at 50-cents an hour,” he said.

He praised area officials for working together on the park with vision and “it’s getting closer and closer every day.”

“We’re excited to again be a partner,” in the project, he added.

As companies have delayed making major investment decisions during recent years of economic uncertainty, more pressure will mount and once a decision is made “they’ll want a facility ready yesterday,” Johnson said of the timeframe. Having infrastructure and design in place will help make it a more favorable choice businesses looking for a home, he said.

“I’m pleased with the progress,” he said after the session. “The bottom line is this will mean good jobs for this part of the state. We’re also going to help them in their recruitment process so that it doesn’t take 20 years to fill the park.

“You either compete on innovation, or you aren’t competitive. You don’t have a choice. New Philadelphia and Tuscarawas County have to compete effectively. That means investments in education, investments in infrastructure and making sure that you have a plan for attracting new companies. Change is constant. Some of the old companies aren’t going to make it. The question is, what do you have to replace them?”

Groundbreaking ceremonies are expected late this fall, said Heinz Stucki, director of the Tuscarawas County Community Improvement Corp.

The master plan shows how the CIC will develop the tech park “in a manner that reflects the special qualities of Tuscarawas County and maximizes the economic, social and aesthetic benefits will be unveiled,” Stucki said.

Plans call for developing a business incubator facility and 28 lots for private businesses using the acreage located between University Dr. NE and Ridge Rd. The location is considered ideal because it is close to Kent State-Tuscarawas and its technology center and Buckeye Career Center.

About 100 acres would be developed with the rest used as green space. The goal is to provide about 600 jobs. A second phase calls for creating the business incubator facility to assist start-up companies.