State designates airport in new program
The Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport in Penn Township joined two other airports in being the first to receive designations in a new program at the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
A news release from the state on Thursday said the local airport, as well as Arnold Palmer Airport in Westmoreland County and Rostraver Airport in Westmoreland County, have been named Airport Land Development Zones (ALDZ).
The program provides tax credits to employers that locate and create jobs at a designated zone.
Employers can receive $2,100 per employee working at the zone for a period of 10 years.
“It will encourage people in the area to build and employ here,” said Michael Biggs, manager at Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport.
The ALDZ program was established to generate new jobs on land and buildings owned by airports in Pennsylvania, while accelerating economic activity at and around undeveloped land or vacant buildings owned by airports.
The new program moves Pennsylvania toward Gov. Josh Shapiro’s goal of reigniting Pennsylvania’s economy by creating opportunity for businesses and workers across the state, the news release said.
“Encouraging airports to breathe new life into vacant buildings or develop unused land will create jobs and boost the economy while sending a strong message that Pennsylvania is open for business,” said Rick Siger, acting DCED secretary.
Biggs said the airport has 50 developable acres on the northwest part of its property, where those interested could build a business and participate in the program.
He said the airport authority will now look for an architectural consultant to create a handful of building designs that interested businesses could choose from.
Biggs said more than aviation-related businesses are invited to take advantage of the program.
“It’s open to everybody and anybody,” he said.
The program starts immediately, and those interested in talking to Biggs about locating their business at the airport and taking advantage of the ALDZ program can call Biggs at 724-586-6666 during regular business hours.
