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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: You tout the affordability of an Arsenal lease. What exactly does that mean?

A: Foremost, the no-cost build-out feature of your lease allows for custom business expansion and renovation (see next question). Additionally, the Arsenal provides several property amenities in every lease, including free electricity (in most cases), building and grounds maintenance (even snow removal).

Q: What do you mean by "no out-of-pocket expense" for building renovations?

A: The Arsenal Support Program Initiative (ASPI) legislation passed in 2001 was designed to reduce the cost of U.S. Army installation overhead while maintaining a government-ready workforce. To attract and retain appropriate tenants to the Rock Island Arsenal, the government funds no out-of-pocket custom build-outs of existing space. That is a real benefit, especially when cash and credit markets are tight!

Q: What do you mean by "appropriate tenant"?

A: A range of businesses thrive on Arsenal Island. They include government contractors, businesses with high security needs, consulting firms, manufacturers and others.

Q: What makes an inappropriate tenant?

A: The security surrounding the U.S. Army installation at Rock Island Arsenal mediates against certain types of business, including those with heavy distribution needs and a high volume of international visitors. Every situation is different, though! For more information, please contact us.

Q: Practically speaking, what security issues tend to arise at the access points?

A: Arsenal Island is secure yet accessible. As tenants, you and your employees will be issued identity badges and drive on and off the island as a matter of course, as you would at any worksite. Your visitors will obtain guest badges and be allowed access to your business, as well. While snafus can sometimes arise - guards can ask to inspect cars, for example - they are rare.

Q: What is the response rate of fire and security staff?

A: We have fully-staffed fire and police departments on the 946-acre island, meaning that response time is a fraction of what you would experience elsewhere.

Q: On a military base such as the Rock Island Arsenal, can tenants be asked to leave at any time?

A: While the U.S. Army maintains the right to reclaim space as needed, outside firms have co-existed with DOD organizations for over 5 years on Arsenal Island, and in that time have never been asked to leave.

Q: What is the surrounding community like?

A: The "Quad-Cities" has become a misnomer over the years, actually representing many contiguous municipalities. Our largest cities include Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island and East Moline, Illinois. A vibrant community straddling the Mississippi River in the heart of the country, the Quad-Cities provides excellent transportation options, with an international airport as well as major Interstate access.

While our natural beauty, cultural amenities, educational opportunities and friendly neighborhoods make the Quad-Cities home for singles and families alike, quality of life is also predicated on the opportunities created by a vibrant workforce.

With a labor force comprised of 336,373 people - two-thirds of whom have an education beyond high school - the Quad-City area is particularly attractive to professional, technical, production and manufacturing operations. Learn more about our workforce and what it can mean for you.