Town May Have Role

In N.H. Medical Office

By Pamala Yerrington

Randolph has the opportunity of acting as a pass-through administrator of a $750,000 grant to a New Hampshire medical incubator, the Randolph selectboard was told last week.

The deal would potentially mean $375,000 in revenue for the town over the long term, according to Neal Fox, executive director of the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation. The repayment revenue would be dispersed as determined by the town.

Two interstate grants of this type have been made by New Hampshire to Vermont in the past, one in the amount of $750,000 to help in funding Ethan Allen, Inc. Vermont has shown interest in reciprocating this past aid, Fox said.

The Dartmouth Entrepreneurial Network, an affiliate of Dartmouth-Hitchcock, has completed half the incubator project and is seeking funding for the balance of 11 units. The project is located adjacent to DHMC and would be completed there.

Fox initially approached Hartford based on proximity but found Hartford felt its development plate was already full. He then spoke with Norwich, but voter interest was not strong. In conversation with Town Manager Peter Butterfield, consideration of Randolph began.

Fox believes Randolph would be a good fit as administrator, as the town already has an incubator project located here. 

In the long-term picture, there is ongoing interest in a program called "U to U" which would link the University of Vermont, the University of New Hampshire, and Dartmouth to create synergy in the research and development of new ideas. The reputation of Vermont Technical College in Randolph makes it a strong candidate for inclusion in this future linking, Fox said.

Administration of the DEN grant to New Hampshire would gain Randolph attention toward this end, he said.

Fox has spoken with VTC President Ty Handy about the U to U project, he said, noting that Randolph’s infrastructure includes college, hospital, and strong cultural elements.

More Study

Fox outlined some of the complexities involved in the medical incubator venture as well as the plus side of long-term payback.

After some process and impact-related discussion at the meeting, the Selectboard requested Fox meet with RACDC and Butterfield for further study.

Marty Strange, representing the Randolph Area Community Development Corp. (RACDC), agreed to work on the plannimg as well. Fox also noted that Ken Roger of Randolph has agreed to become a member of GMEDC with plans on adding another two local members.

Goat Farm?

In separate project a pharmaceutical party based in Massachusetts is currently seeking a 500-acre site for a goat farm to be designated as a medical research and development facility of goat milk for its value in the treatment of arthritis, Fox said.

Fox also outlined a variety of other projects the GMEDC is or has been involved with and asked that Randolph strongly consider re-joining. Recently the GMEDC worked with the Royal Butcher in Braintree, in past with the incubator in Randolph, Kimball House, and DuBois & King.