BROWNSVILLE ECO-INDUSTRIAL PARK
Brownsville, Texas

Managing Entity : Brownsville Economic Development Council
Contact Person' Name : Rick Luna, Director of Communications/Research
Address : 1205 N. Expressway, Brownsville, TX 78520
Phone : (210) 541-1183 Fax : (210) 546-3938 E-Mail : broedc@aol.com

Alternate Contact Person : Jackie Lockett, Brownsville Information & Solutions Network
Phone : (210) 546-1161 Fax : (210) 982-1876 E-Mail : bisn@triplesoft.com

EIP's key features:
The Brownsville project is based on a regional approach to materials exchange (regional "industrial symbiosis" (IS). Establishment of a defined "eco-industrial park" is considered as one possible component of regional IS, but not the driving force. Brownsville IS also is inclusive of small businesses and agriculture.

What constitutes success?
Project will yield an industrial IS "road map" identifying opportunities to increase the operating efficiencies of existing industries and opportunities for recruitment of new industry in the Brownsville region.

EIP linkages:
We have developed an industrial process data base both of companies existing in Brownsville and Matamoros, Mexico and in industries elsewhere in the U.S. Our consultant has developed analytical procedures to identify potential materials exchange linkages among these industries for both existing and new companies.

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Recruiting process:
Planning tools developed for the Brownsville project identify potential firms likely to benefit from participation in regional industrial symbiosis. Tools also quantify and value materials for exchanges. Then potential firms, new or existing, are contacted to discuss opportunities for cost savings.

Resources available?
U.S. Department of Commerce, Brownsville Economic Development Council, City of Brownsville, Port of Brownsville

Strategy to continue progressing.
1. Cost data need to be added to materials flow data base (consultant)
2. Marketing plan is to be developed for strategy to evaluate and contact IS
participants (BEDC)

What is missing?
1. Additional process detail (input, output, utilities flows will increase rigor of planning tools)
2. Cost data are yet to be developed
3. A more efficient method of identifying "new" industry opportunities will speed process

Goals for the upcoming workshop.
1. Brief other projects on status of Brownsville project.
2. Demonstration of uniqueness of our approach.

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Case Study Source: Eco-Industrial Park (EIP) Workshop, Cape Charles, Va., October 17-18, 1996.