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Committee adopts bill renaming Free Trade Zone Authority to Economic Incentive District Authority
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Summary
Senate Bill 24-17 SD1, which would globally amend divisions of title 4 to rename the Commonwealth Free Trade Zone Authority as the Commonwealth Economic Incentive District Authority, was adopted by the committee with members saying the change removes the word "zone" to avoid zoning confusion and could allow incentive districts in more locations.
The House Committee on Commerce adopted Senate Bill 24-17 SD1, a bill to amend divisions of title 4 to rename the Commonwealth Free Trade Zone Authority as the Commonwealth Economic Incentive District Authority.
Representative Bata told the committee she supported the name change because the term "Free Trade Zone" could be misinterpreted under local zoning laws and might be taken to mean a rezoning of areas. She said the original free trade zone was sited near the airport in anticipation of large-scale manufacturing during an earlier era; renaming the authority and clarifying its scope would allow incentive districts to be located in business districts as well as at the airport.
The chairman said the bill received substantial public support and that renaming it provides an opportunity to attract business activity without altering the existing airport zone. Representative Malcolm J. Omar moved to adopt the bill and asked that a committee report be produced; the motion was seconded and the committee carried the measure.
The committee record shows members emphasized the name change is intended to avoid zoning confusion and to permit more flexible siting of incentive districts. No changes to the existing airport zone were recorded in the discussion.
