Senator Kane: Oxford Airport Bill Will Boost Local Economy

March 11, 2011
State Rep. Anthony D'Amelio, Oxford Economic Development Director Herman Schuler, Middlebury First Selectman Tom Gormley, State Sen. Rob Kane

State Rep. Anthony D’Amelio, Oxford Economic Development Director Herman Schuler, Middlebury First Selectman Tom Gormley, State Sen. Rob Kane

State and local officials from Oxford and Middlebury joined forces on March 10 at the State Capitol to speak in support of a bill to promote economic development at Oxford Airport.

State Rep. Anthony D’Amelio, Oxford Economic Development Director Herman Schuler, Middlebury First Selectman Tom Gormley, and State Sen. Rob Kane spoke before the legislature’s Commerce Committee in support of HB 6529, An Act Promoting Economic Development in the Surrounding Area of Oxford Airport.

“Of the communities I represent, no other facility is more important to our regional commerce than Oxford Airport,” Senator Kane told the committee. “Oxford Airport generates jobs. Good, quality local jobs. And it has yet to reach its full potential. The sky is the limit for Oxford Airport”

The bill would create an Oxford Airport Development Zone in order to foster new business development, add jobs and generate new state and municipal tax revenues.

“As legislators, we are always striving to create policies which create win-win scenarios,” Kane said. “This bill creates that win-win scenario for Oxford, the region and the state.”

“This legislation is a realistic way of maximizing Oxford Airport’s positive economic impact,” D’Amelio said. “By creating an airport development zone surrounding Oxford Airport, we open up opportunities not only for the airport itself but for the surrounding towns such as Middlebury which are also in great need of stronger revenue streams.”

D’Amelio said the net result of this small investment will be more jobs, more opportunities, and a better economy.

Kane and D’Amelio thanked Schuler and Gormley for their advocacy on behalf of their towns. “This was a display of regional unity and I think that resonated with the committee,” D’Amelio said.