CRESTVIEW — An Arizona businessman has plans to build an explosive ordnance disposal museum and training facility at the Bob Sikes Industrial Park.
Erhard Koch plans to build the facility on a 12.4-acre parcel of land owned by Segars, formerly known as Aviation Industrial Group Inc.
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners voted Nov. 5 to approve the land sale as well as Koch’s intended use of the property.
“I think it’s great,” Commissioner Wayne Harris said. “It’s a great fit for our community.”
He said Koch is interested in the Bob Sikes Industrial Park because of its proximity to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal School at Eglin Air Force Base.
Harris said Koch’s idea is a type of “elevated EOD school” and education center featuring explosives from across the world where employees of the FBI, CIA and other agencies could train.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.