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La Verne council approves tax-exempt bonds for proposed airship manufacturing facility
Summary
The La Verne City Council on Nov. 4 approved a resolution permitting tax-exempt industrial development bonds to finance a proposed airship and last-mile drone-delivery manufacturing facility, with the city stating it will have no financial or administrative obligation for the issuance.
La Verne — The City Council approved a resolution on Nov. 4 authorizing the issuance of tax-exempt industrial development bonds to finance a proposed advanced airship manufacturing and last-mile drone-delivery facility for AOS/Aeros Corp.
During a public hearing required under federal TEFRA rules, financial adviser Willam Morales told the council that municipalities may issue private-activity, tax-exempt bonds and that "the city does not have any administrative obligation going forward" if the resolution is approved. The council then voted 5–0 to adopt the resolution; the motion was made by Council Member Crosby and seconded by Council Member Cas Vita.
Irene Ramirez, the project representative, described the facility as an advanced manufacturing site that would build and operate large airships and onboard drones for last-mile deliveries. Ramirez stated the company’s airships are "completely zero emission," described a 266-foot vehicle footprint for the project and said the airships would carry thousands of parcels and work under FAA oversight.
City staff and the presenting consultant said the action authorizes the issuance by the California Enterprise Development Authority using industrial development bonds but does not create city debt, administrative obligations, or ongoing fiscal liability for La Verne. No public speaker raised objections during the hearing.
The approval allows the bond issuance process to proceed; subsequent steps include finalizing bond documents, any necessary leases or land-use approvals, and coordination with county and FAA authorities for facility siting and operational permits. The council’s 5–0 vote cleared the resolution for AOS/Aeros Corp to pursue financing through the designated authority.
