Saline County Enterprise Zone re-designated

HARRISBURG - Harrisburg officials announced Tuesday the re-designation of the Saline County Enterprise Zone, which will provide incentives to businesses looking to relocate to the county.

"Approval of the plans submitted to the state is a competitive process as there are a limited number of zones throughout the State. Each zone has to meet very specific criteria that allows the zone to reach peak performance," Harrisburg Mayor John McPeek says. "Being able to continue to offer these benefits allows the city a strategic position to incentivize businesses to build their business right here in Harrisburg."

Being located in the county's enterprise zone provides benefits designed to encourage existing and new businesses. Those benefits include limited commercial property tax abatement, sales tax free materials and investment credits.

According to Harrisburg's Economic & Community Development Coordinator Alex Watkins, the original designation of the zone for Saline County communities began in the early 1990s, and has been responsible for $120 million in investments throughout the county.

The re-designation of the zone means benefits to new and existing businesses will continue.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to be able to continue to offer the programs under the enterprise zone. In developing our area, every incentive that we can possibly offer and pair with other programs are crucial toward our success in attracting business. Our area leaders are always working toward priming the community for success. This is another example of that," Watkins said.

Renewal of the enterprise zone is a key component toward the Harrisburg's new economic development strategic plan, he said.

For those with a business or potential business interested in using the advantages the enterprise zone offers, contact Watkins at (618) 841-0985.