Oxford, Middlebury Lawmakers Pleased with Airport Development Zone Bill’s Progress

Speaking in favor of the Oxford Airport development zone bill on March 10 at the State Capitol were, from left to right: State Rep. Anthony D’Amelio, Oxford Economic Development Director Herman Schuler, Middlebury First Selectman Tom Gormley, State Sen. Rob Kane

State Sen. Rob Kane, State Rep. Anthony D’Amelio and State Rep. David Labriola today applauded a key legislative committee’s passage of a bill to promote economic development at Oxford Airport.

The legislature’s Commerce Committee unanimously on Tuesday approved HB 6529, An Act Promoting Economic Development in the Surrounding Area of Oxford Airport.

The bill, which would create an Oxford Airport Development Zone in order to foster new business development, add jobs and generate new state and municipal tax revenues, will now be voted on by the full General Assembly.

Oxford Economic Development Director Herman Schuler and Middlebury First Selectman Tom Gormley joined the state legislators on March 10 at the State Capitol to speak in support of the bill.

“Our display of regional unity resonated with the committee,” Kane said. “Oxford Airport generates good, quality local jobs and we should be promoting policies like this which build on that momentum. We thank the committee members for moving this bill forward and we now look forward to getting this bill to the governor’s desk.”

“The net result of this small investment will be more jobs not only in Oxford but for surrounding towns such as Middlebury which are also in great need of stronger revenue streams,” D’Amelio said. “The sky is the limit for Oxford Airport, and this bill will help the facility reach its economic potential.”

“This bill’s progress is good news for not just Oxford but for the entire region,” Labriola said. “These are the types of bills we should be passing here in Hartford. This bill will lead to job growth, job retention and maximize Oxford Airport’s positive economic impact.”

The legislators continued to warn that the governor’s proposed taxes on the aviation industry will result in the mass migration of aircraft from Connecticut and deal a financial blow to Oxford Airport.

The governor has proposed allowing municipalities to tax aircraft at a statewide rate of 20 mils. A mill equals $1 for every $1000 of assessed value.

The governor has also proposed removing a sales tax exemption on repairs and services to aircraft and adding an annual registration fee to planes stored in the state. To base an aircraft in Connecticut, some owners will see $11,000 annual hikes in what they currently pay. Neighboring New York has no such fees.