The National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP), in partnership with Atlantic County, the Atlantic County Improvement Authority (ACIA), the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA), the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (USEDA), celebrated a significant milestone today with the beam signing of Building #2.

“This moment represents more than steel and structure—it represents progress, partnership, and the vision of creating a world-class ecosystem for aerospace innovation right here in South Jersey,” said Howard Kyle, President/CEO of NARTP. “Building #2 will provide critical space for startups, research institutions, and global leaders in aerospace to collaborate, innovate, and grow.”

The ceremony, held on-site at NARTP, marked the placement of the final beam on the 40,000-square-foot facility, which will expand the Park’s capacity to support aviation research, innovation, and workforce development. Guests, partners, and officials gathered to sign the ceremonial beam before it was hoisted into place, symbolizing the continued momentum of Atlantic County’s innovation economy.

Dennis Levison, Atlantic County Executive signs the beam.

Building #2 was made possible in part by an $8.6 million investment through NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center Program. Once completed, it will offer state-of-the-art space for companies and organizations aligned with aerospace research and development, strengthening South Jersey’s role as a nationally recognized aviation research hub.

Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson praised the collective effort behind the project: “This is our future – our kids are going to want to stay here. We are changing the academic curriculums in the region. We will have an educated workforce. We have to teach to the need.”

State Senator Vince Polistina speaks at the beam signing ceremony.

New Jersey State Senator Vince Polistina added, “We’re on a mission to diversify our economy beyond gaming and tourism. Education is the key. We are developing a pipeline for students to be educated here, trained here, and have great opportunities here at the park and the FAA for long term high-paying jobs.”

(From Left to Right) Lauren Moore, President of ACEA; Assemblyman Don Guardian; Assemblywoman Claire Swift; Dennis Levinson, Atlantic County Executive; State Senator Vince Polistina; Kathleen Coviello, Chief Economic Transformation Officer, NJEDA; Eric Neiderman, Director of William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace; Tim Edmunds, Executive Director of ACIA; Howard Kyle, President /CEO of NARTP

About the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park

The National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP) is a state-of-the-art aviation and aerospace innovation hub located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. As a nonprofit, NARTP is dedicated to fostering research, collaboration, and commercialization in the aerospace sector. Positioned adjacent to the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center and the Atlantic City International Airport, NARTP provides a unique ecosystem for government, academia, and industry to work together on cutting-edge technologies. Its mission is to accelerate innovation, attract high-tech companies, and create high-paying jobs in Atlantic County and beyond. Visit www.nartp.com or call (609) 245-0019 for more information.