A bill designating the area around Atlantic City International Airport as a Garden State Growth Zone passed the state Assembly on Tuesday and now heads to Gov. Chris Christie’s desk for final approval.
The bill, originally introduced by Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo and the late state Sen. Jim Whelan, both D-Atlantic, creates tax incentives for businesses within the “aviation district,” or one mile surrounding the airport, which is a key element in Atlantic County‘s pursuit of creating an aviation industry and diversifying its economy away from the gaming market.
Proponents say it will help the county secure tenants for the first building of the Stockton Aviation Research and Technology Park.
“This package is going to help put us on the map,” said Lauren Moore, Executive Director of the Atlantic County Economic Alliance. “We’re working with several candidates (to fill the building) and this will allow us to put a very compelling incentive offer on the table.”