Harrisburg – Continuing efforts to restore Pennsylvania’s economic vitality, the Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Mario Scavello (R-40) and Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35), chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, to spur job growth in and around airports across the Commonwealth.
Senate Bill 562 creates the Airport Land Development Zone (ALDZ) program, providing tax credits to employers that make a significant new investment by expanding operations and creating new jobs.
“The problems facing airports have gotten much worse with the COVID-19 travel restrictions and business shutdowns. Airports have had severe reductions in flights and general aviation business,” Senator Scavello said. “Slashed revenues have forced airports to reduce employees and make drastic budget cuts. Pennsylvania needs to help airports develop new streams of revenue and expand aviation’s economic impact in the Commonwealth.”
Under the legislation, industrial and commercial employers locating in an ALDZ could receive a $2,100-a-job tax credit for each new job they create in Pennsylvania, each year for 10 years. The tax credit is structured like that of the Keystone Special Development Zone program (KSDZ).
“Senate Bill 562 was spearheaded by Senator Scavello and myself to incentivize new business expansion and economic development,” said Senator Langerholc. “This legislation will permit Pennsylvania to attract and retain new businesses which will provide new revenue and new employment opportunities.”
“Targeted tax credits that promote the creation of new, Pennsylvania jobs on vacant land and buildings owned by Pennsylvania’s airports can help accelerate economic activity at and around airports,” Senator Scavello said. “Creating more business formation and real estate development in and around Pennsylvania airports, on land and buildings owned by airports, will also help generate new sources of much needed airport revenue.”
In October, the Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Senator Scavello, held a public informational meeting with the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania to discuss the legislation.
Passage of Senate Bill 562 is the latest in a series of Senate votes aimed at moving Pennsylvania from pandemic to recovery. Earlier this week, the Senate acted to increase public-private partnerships (between state universities and private entities) and enhance employment opportunities. Last month, the Senate approved two measures making it easier for small business employers to remain competitive and create jobs. Senate Bill 562 will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACTS: Christine Zubeck czubeck@pasen.gov (Sen. Scavello)
Gwenn Dando gdando@pasen.gov (Sen. Langerholc)