Thursday, February 5, 2015

CLATSOP COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE PROPOSED TO BOOST INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

  
The public is invited to learn more about a proposed enterprise zone designed to boost economic development in Clatsop County at a meeting Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.
Clatsop County, the Port of Astoria and the cities of Astoria and Warrenton will consider submitting an application to the State of Oregon for the designation of an enterprise zone covering multiple areas.
The enterprise zone program allows property tax exemptions of up to five years on new capital construction such as new buildings/structures, modifications, additions and new equipment, in exchange for job creation and other public benefits. Participating firms are required to meet program requirements set by the state as well as the local sponsors. Once the five-year period ends the qualifying improvements are fully taxed.

The proposed “Clatsop Enterprise Zone” would cover certain property in Astoria, Warrenton, Miles Crossing/Jeffers Garden and Knappa, including areas such as the Astoria Regional Airport, North Coast Business Park and Tongue Point.
Officials say the zone and the tax benefits it brings will provide another tool to drive new investment in industrial properties and increase private-sector economic activity in the county.
Taxing districts whose boundaries include property within the proposed zone have been invited to the Feb. 24 meeting to learn more about the designation. The proposal will also be presented to the two city councils and county and port commissioners on the following dates:
·   Astoria City Council – March 2
·   Port of Astoria Commission – March 3
·   Warrenton City Commission – March 10
·   Clatsop County Board of Commissioners – March 11

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