The program, called "Dark Eyes", was developed by Perry Casto, a graduate of Sherman High School, who wishes to bring the program to his hometown.
Casto is the President and CEO of ARES, a technology based business founded in 1987 which specializes in missile defense, according to Sylvester Mayor Manuel Arvon.
"Perry gave a presentation to the Sylvester Town Council on January 15 to present his proposal," Arvon said. "It would mean at least 25 jobs and over a million and a half dollars in local revenue, which could bring more jobs to Sylvester."
After a career in the Army, Casto began a second career in industry, while maintaining close ties to his hometown.
"He still owns the house that he grew up in," Arvon said.
Casto's wish, according to Arvon, is to bring a viable economic resource to Sylvester, which is not tied to or dependant on the coal industry.
Casto chose Sylvester for two reasons.
First, ARES needs an economical location to provide a competent, steady work force to both produce the system and to conduct research and development of product improvements.
Secondly, Casto believes that the program will provide employment opportunities in a highly technical field and bring jobs back to West Virginia.
According to Casto, "Dark Eyes" is ideal for providing temporary or fixed perimeter security to areas of importance or where ever human assets are scarce such as flight lines, fuel storage facilities, industrial storage facilities, launch sites, ammunition storage facilities, or any high-risk area.
It can also be used as temporary security for areas with power outages.
The proposed site for the business would be the building which formerly housed the Sylvester Elementary School.
The municipality purchased the school from the Boone County Board of Education in 2004 when the Board closed the school.
"We asked for first refusal if they sold the building," said then Mayor-elect Arvon.
Although the building is still in need of repair, Arvon hopes to see it become a center for business development in Sylvester.
"Having a new industry here would mean a lot to Sylvester," Arvon said. "It would stimulate the economy and hopefully bring more businesses and people to the area."
With the building repair, ARES and the people of Sylvester will have one more hurdle to jump in the quest for economic development.
"I have already written letters to Senator Byrd and Congressman Rahall, supporting the Dark Eyes program and telling them that we want it in Boone County," Arvon said.
He encourages others to write similar letters to state and local legislators, supporting the program.
For more information on how to show support for the program, contact Arvon and the Sylvester Town Council at 854-1930.
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