PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — While the planned construction of Anduril Industries’ $1 billion Arsenal-1 advanced weapons facility has been hailed as a transformative economic win for Ohio, new questions are emerging about zoning discrepancies at the proposed site. These issues could complicate the timeline for what is being touted as the largest job creation project in Ohio’s history.
The Pickaway County Port Authority, in collaboration with Pickaway County P3, recently submitted an application to the All Ohio Future Fund to secure $70 million in public funding for the project. However, a closer examination of the application reveals potential inaccuracies in the zoning and ownership details for the 528-acre site near Rickenbacker International Airport.
Zoning Questions and Ownership Misstatements
The application claims that 403 acres of the site are zoned for manufacturing and industrial use under the Rickenbacker Business District (RBD). Yet, discrepancies have been found, confirming that approximately 120 acres of the listed parcels—specifically F1600010005400 and F1600010005500—are not zoned for industrial use. These parcels are owned by SUNSHINE & SMOOCH LLC & JCD PICKAWAY FARM LLC, and a private individual, not CT Realty or the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA), as the application states.
At the time of this reporting, there have been no rezoning applications submitted for these parcels, creating uncertainty about whether the site is truly development-ready. This oversight could delay the approval process for public funding and the subsequent construction timeline.
The Stakes for Pickaway County and Ohio
With state leaders touting Arsenal-1 as a linchpin for Ohio’s future economic growth, the zoning discrepancies raise significant concerns about due diligence and project transparency. Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted have praised the project for its potential to create over 4,000 direct jobs and contribute $1 billion annually to Ohio’s GDP. However, unresolved zoning issues may erode confidence in the project’s feasibility and delay critical stages of development.
During its monthly meeting today, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 2.594 percent, 30-year Job Creation Tax Credit to support Anduril Industries’ advanced manufacturing facility in Pickaway County. The tax credit has an estimated value of $452,263,789.
“These investments are propelling Ohio into a future defined by innovation, cutting-edge technology, and unmatched opportunity,” said Governor DeWine. “Anduril is not only revolutionizing America’s defense industry, but it’s joining the wave of coastal companies expanding to Ohio and bringing thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in capital investment to the Heart of it All.”
The Pickaway County Port Authority’s application emphasizes the site’s strategic location and infrastructure, including fiber optic connectivity and proximity to industrial zones. Yet, critics argue that overstating the readiness of the land could undermine the project’s credibility, particularly as it seeks substantial public funding.
Potential Roadblocks for Anduril
If the All Ohio Future Fund approves the application without addressing the zoning discrepancies, it could face legal and procedural challenges. Rezoning agricultural land for industrial purposes is a complex process involving local government approvals, community input, and environmental reviews. Any delays in securing proper zoning could ripple through the project’s timeline, pushing back the expected economic benefits.
Additionally, the application and discrepancies raise questions about the Port Authority’s engagement with key stakeholders.
Implications for Public Funding and Accountability
The $70 million sought from the All Ohio Future Fund represents a significant public investment in the project. Critics of large-scale public subsidies argue that such funding should be contingent on full transparency and accuracy in project proposals. Any perceived misrepresentation of zoning or ownership could fuel opposition to the allocation of taxpayer dollars.
For Anduril, a company that has faced previous scrutiny over its rapid rise in the defense sector and its reliance on public contracts, these issues could amplify existing concerns about accountability and transparency.
What’s Next for Arsenal-1?
As the All Ohio Future Fund reviews the application, all eyes are on whether the zoning discrepancies will be addressed before funding is approved. Local officials and community advocates are calling for greater oversight to ensure the project complies with zoning regulations and ownership requirements.
While Arsenal-1’s promise of jobs and economic growth has generated widespread support, unresolved questions about the site’s readiness could jeopardize the project’s momentum.