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Council expands Port Muskogee jurisdiction to include foreign trade zones to attract industry
Summary
An ordinance amending the Port Muskogee authority expanded its jurisdiction beyond county lines to include foreign trade zones in the state; port and council officials said the change is intended to make the port more competitive for federal foreign-trade-zone designations and prospective industry sponsorships.
The City Council approved an ordinance (No. 4271A) amending the Port Muskogee authority’s jurisdiction to include foreign trade zones in the state, a change staff said will help the port compete for businesses that need federal foreign-trade-zone sponsorship.
City staff explained the port’s original authority dated to 1961 and that subsequent changes are needed to keep the port competitive. Miss Boatenhamer told the council the amendment would allow the port to extend jurisdiction beyond the county and “include any foreign trade zones in the state, therefore, making it much more attractive to help stimulate the economy and the economic activity that happens at the port.”
A member of the public, Greg, asked several questions about trade-zone radius limits, targeted industries and potential costs. Jeff Underwood, representing Port Muskogee, said the city is the federal grantee for Foreign-Trade Zone No. 164 under U.S. Customs regulation and that the amendment was prompted by a company pursuing FTZ use that required a change in the ordinance. Underwood said the burden of costs for an industry seeking FTZ benefits would fall on that industry and that final approvals are federally regulated by the Foreign-Trade Zones Board.
Councilors moved, seconded and adopted the ordinance by roll call. Staff said the change does not require additional city funding and that an industry currently pursuing FTZ use prompted the ordinance revision.
