|
Special
Edition: September 22, 2011
Missouri House Announces
Progress on Economic Development Bills
|
|
Economic Development
Committee Chair Rep.
Anne Zerr (R-St.
Charles)
|
Rules Committee
Chair Rep. John Diehl
(R-Town &
Country)
|
Yesterday House leaders
unveiled a revised economic development package that includes key
incentives for the creation of an international cargo hub, or
Aerotropolis, in St. Louis. House
Economic Development Committee Chair Rep. Anne Zerr
(R-St. Charles) and Rules Committee Chair Rep.
John Diehl (R-Town & Country) worked with the
Governor's office to craft the proposal, which also includes the
Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA) and
incentives for data centers, the attraction of amateur sporting
events and job retention. Rep. Diehl stated, "We believe
the House proposal represents a sensible compromise that
incorporates priorities from all sides and creates the strong
taxpayer protections that we have sought all along."
One important aspect of the House bill is the
modification of the BUILD program to allow for the development of
freight infrastructure. The retooled BUILD program
could be used throughout Missouri and would require local
matching funds and certain levels of capital investment and job
creation to qualify. The RCGA lauds the inclusion of this
measure, which strengthens the state's commitment to
international trade and to one of the priority industry clusters
-- Multi-Modal Supply Chain Management -- in both the
recently-adopted Statewide Economic Development Strategy and the
Regional Economic Development Strategy. An independent
economic analysis projects a potential $26.8 billion economic
benefit for the region and State over 20 years.
The House Economic Development Committee is scheduled
to meet today at 2:00 p.m., with the full House expected to vote
on the bill Friday. The Senate has adjourned until Friday
afternoon. The
RCGA urges the House and Senate to "get to yes" and quickly pass
the comprehensive economic development legislation to create jobs
and increase investment and international trade opportunities in
Missouri.
Click on the links below for more information on the
economic development proposals:
|
|
|
|
| |
|
