Sen. Kissel Testifies in Support of Bradley Development Zone Bill

February 16, 2010

Commerce Committee hold public hearing on the proposal to create an enterprise zone around Bradley Airport

Hartford, CT – State Senator John A. Kissel today testified before the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee in support of SB- 107, An Act Establishing a Bradley Development Zone. If passed into law, the Bradley Development Zone will provide tax incentives to attract new businesses and expand existing ones within the communities of Windsor Locks, Suffield, East Granby, and Windsor.

“This bill is an important step toward putting Connecticut back on the path to recovery, especially in Windsor Locks, East Granby, Suffield, and Windsor, all towns that I represent,” said Sen. Kissel. “Bradley International Airport is a very important part of our state’s infrastructure and economy. I like to call it one of our ‘Crown Jewels.’ We need to be proactive and capitalize on this wonderful asset, and this proposal presents us with a chance to multiply business development in that area.”

The bill, which passed the Senate last year but died on the House calendar, designates portions of the four towns surrounding Bradley Airport – Windsor Locks, Suffield, East Granby, and Windsor – as the “Bradley Airport Development Zone” and provides tax incentives for new and existing businesses. Incentives include:

  • property tax exemptions to new or improved businesses with the state reimbursing the host municipality 40% of the lost revenue;
  • a ten-year corporate business tax credit for businesses receiving the property tax exemption; and
  • a sales tax exemption for machinery replacement costs.

“Last year Senators LeBeau, DeFronzo, Frantz and I all worked very hard on this proposal and it was unfortunate that it didn’t make it out of the House,” said Sen. Kissel. “I was very happy that the Commerce Committee worked so quickly to schedule this bill for a new public hearing. Senator LeBeau in particular, as co-chair of the Commerce Committee, has been a great ally and advocate for this bill. Many of us, along with House members from the affected towns, met on this in December to plan this year’s legislative efforts. Four of the seven towns I represent are directly affected by this initiative, but it really will be a great jobs catalyst for all of north-central Connecticut. With so many great people pushing for this legislation I am hopeful we can pass this important bill this spring.”

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