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House approves aviation incentive bill to attract aerospace jobs
Summary
The House passed House Bill 316 to create aerospace/aviation development zones with partial rebate incentives tied to new jobs and auditing by the Department of Community and Economic Development; Representative Dee said the program requires new, in-state jobs and will be piloted in Weber County. The bill passed 61-2 and was referred to the Senate.
The Utah House on Feb. 27 approved House Bill 316, which creates incentives for aerospace and aviation companies that bring new jobs to the state and locate in designated development zones.
Representative Dee, sponsor of HB 316, explained the measure requires that qualifying jobs be new to the state and that participating airports meet specified criteria and have available development space. The Department of Community and Economic Development is charged with auditing company performance and recommending partial rebate payments to the Division of Finance, including payee information and supporting documentation.
Representative Dee said the bill conditions incentives on performance and audits: companies "perform first" and are reimbursed after the department verifies results. He also said the bill is targeted to attract high-wage aviation jobs to areas such as Weber County. Representative Harper offered a sunset clause to trial the program; supporters described the proposal as a way to spur local economic development and recruit firms that could bring higher-paid positions.
The House recorded the passage of HB 316 with 61 yes votes and 2 no votes; the bill will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
