Pasco County approves $15 million incentive package for Evans employment center, bars housing for 30 years

Pasco County commissioners voted July 15 to approve a cooperative economic development agreement aimed at converting an approximately 80-acre parcel near the I-75/Lake Iola Road interchange into a business park and light-industrial employment center.

Planning and Economic Development Director David Engel said the project's developer revised an earlier proposal to emphasize employment uses and reduce residential density. The agreement approved by the board includes reimbursable incentives totaling $15,000,000: $12,000,000 in ad valorem tax rebates and $3,000,000 sourced from the county's penny-for-Pasco program. County staff said reimbursements will be made only after required infrastructure improvements are completed and documented by receipts.

Under the project plan, the developer agreed to a mix…