In July 1993, NAS Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida was recommended for closure by the Department of Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC). In response to this action the Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) contracted ARCADIS to prepare an Operations and Business Plan to transition the property from military to civilian use in accordance to DoD directive. The purpose of the Operations and Business Plan (O/B Plan) is to provide the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, the LRA, with a practical and flexible guide to accomplish the redevelopment of the 17,000 acres which comprise Cecil Field. The O/B Plan will serve as the basis for the LRA to acquire the property through an Economic Development Conveyance (EDC). The O/B Plan forecasts the most likely reuse and development scenario for the property based upon current and projected market conditions, it provides a basis of valuation for the property, analyzes existing infrastructure and facilities, estimates expenditures and revenues during the first 20 years and provides a comprehensive marketing and implementation plan. The guiding principle of the plan is to provide an "economic engine" for the west side of Jacksonville that will replace Navy jobs. In general, the plan seeks to achieve this objective by focusing on aviation-related uses for the portion of the site south of Normandy Boulevard due to the proximity of a 12,500-foot runway, third longest in the state of Florida. It is recommended that the area north of Normandy Boulevard be developed as a mixed-use business, commercial and industrial park. The plan also features a combination of conservation and recreational land uses to provide additional amenities to the residents of Jacksonville. The overall cost of the project is estimated at $120 million with a potential of 25,000 direct jobs.