Longview Business Park Development Stalls Over Utility Challenges

Lack of adequate power and water infrastructure slows progress on 1,100-acre site

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A highly stylized, photorealistic studio still-life photograph depicting a polished, geometric metal sculpture against a clean, grey background, representing the abstract concept of stalled economic development due to infrastructure obstacles.A sleek, modern sculpture symbolizes the infrastructure challenges delaying progress on Longview's ambitious Bar K Business Park development.Longview Today

The development of the Bar K Business Park in Longview, Texas has hit a temporary roadblock as the Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO) works to secure the necessary utilities for the 1,100-acre plot of raw land. While the site has access to some existing gas, power, and fiber optic lines, LEDCO CEO Wayne Mansfield says more robust infrastructure is needed to support future companies looking to locate there.

Why it matters

The Bar K Business Park is a key economic development project for the Longview region, with the potential to attract new businesses and jobs. However, the lack of adequate utility capacity is currently hindering progress and delaying the park's full buildout and activation.

The details

LEDCO purchased the 1,100-acre site about 18 months ago, but development has stalled as the organization works to upgrade the utilities. While there are some existing gas, power, and fiber optic lines in the area, Mansfield says the current infrastructure may not be sufficient to meet the needs of prospective companies. LEDCO is now in discussions with local utility providers, including SWEPCO, to develop a strategy for bringing more robust power and water services to the site.

  • LEDCO purchased the 1,100-acre Bar K Business Park site about 18 months ago.
  • The utility upgrade planning and negotiations are currently underway.

The players

Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO)

The economic development organization responsible for the Bar K Business Park project and working to secure the necessary utilities for the site.

Wayne Mansfield

The CEO of LEDCO, overseeing the Bar K Business Park development and utility infrastructure efforts.

SWEPCO

The regional electric utility provider that LEDCO is working with to ensure adequate power capacity for the business park.

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What they’re saying

“There are some existing utilities there. There is a gas line that runs through the property, 24-inch, I believe. And there is power adjacent to the site running along Highway 80.”

— Wayne Mansfield, CEO, Longview Economic Development Corporation

“Is it adequate enough for companies that we want to approve there? And that's why we're working with SWEPCO to find a strategy to ensure that we've got adequate power there for future companies.”

— Wayne Mansfield, CEO, Longview Economic Development Corporation

What’s next

LEDCO is currently in discussions with SWEPCO and other utility providers to develop a plan for upgrading the power, water, and other infrastructure needed to support future development at the Bar K Business Park. Once the utility capacity issues are resolved, LEDCO can move forward with finalizing the site layout, cost projections, and a timeline for the park's buildout.

The takeaway

The Bar K Business Park represents a significant economic opportunity for the Longview region, but its development has hit a temporary roadblock due to the need for more robust utility infrastructure. This highlights the importance of proactive planning and investment in core public services to enable business growth and job creation in local communities.