LAWTON – State lawmakers, local leaders and FISTA Development Trust Authority officials flocked to the FISTA Innovation Park recently to celebrate the next phase in the business hub’s development.
The authority hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Nov. 1 for the Innovation Park’s new STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) lab and associated manufacturing space. Construction on the project has already begun and is expected to take about nine months.
The new lab will build on the work that Lawton’s STEM Consortium is already doing, said FISTA Chairman Mark Brace. The consortium is a group of stakeholders dedicated to promoting STEM-related education and opportunities.
“That work has not gone unnoticed, and this facility is going to take it to a whole another level,” Brace said. “It’s going to be dedicated to high school and college-age kids who want to do really important and cool stuff.”
Brace said he appreciated Lawton-area lawmakers’ assistance in securing a $20 million state grant for the project.
“I couldn’t say enough thanks to them for helping us through that process, for bringing it to ground,” he said. “That $20 million is going to have an impact in our community. It’s going to be transformational.”
The Cameron University Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes educational and cultural interests in Oklahoma, presented a $300,000 check to FISTA during the ceremony.
FISTA will use the donation to supplement innovative tools and techniques, said FISTA President and CEO Dr. Krista Ratliff. ‘A talent pipeline’ State and local officials said the new lab will help Lawton-Fort Sill nurture talented students who want to pursue STEM-related careers.
“One of the most exciting aspects about this project is its potential to build a talent pipeline that starts right here with our schools and our students,” Ratliff said.
“And it continues into our community’s workforce.”
State Rep. Trey Caldwell (R-Lawton) said the lab will create more opportunities for people who are seeking careers in STEM-related fields.
“Because of this, future generations of Lawtonians and southwest Oklahomans are going to have additional opportunities when it comes to the quality of life in our community,” he said.