IMMEDIATE RELEASE             April 30, 2004

Note: A groundbreaking ceremony including an address by Congressman James L. Oberstar, Port Authority Board of Commissioners President Bill Kron and Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., Monday, May 3, 2004, at Airpark Boulevard (follow the signs from Haines or Rice Lake Road).

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority invites members of the community to join State and City dignitaries at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Airpark Phase II Expansion at the Authority-owned complex adjacent to the Duluth International Airport.

Ulland Brothers, Inc., Carlton, Minn., was awarded a $1.9 million contract by the Authority in January to complete the 47-acre Phase II portion of the industrial park, which has 110 additional acres previously developed with the exception of two lots (eight acres).

Congressman James L. Oberstar’s support was instrumental in the issuance by the Economic Development Administration of a nearly $1.2 million grant in January to the Port Authority for development of Airpark Phase II street, utility and drainage systems. The City of Duluth is investing $239,000 in water and sewer upgrades, and the Authority will provide remaining funds required for the project.

The expansion will create 18 lots ranging in size from 1.3 to 5.5 acres. The entire Phase II portion is included in the 140-acres of Port Authority controlled properties that were designated tax-free Job Opportunity Building Zones (JOBZ) in December 2003. Eligible businesses in these zones will be allowed to operate in an environment nearly free of state and local taxes. The exemptions are available for up to 12 years.

“The number of companies operating in the existing Airpark complex totals 36 with about 610 employees. The addition of these lots combined with the JOBZ designation has granted significant interest and will certainly be an exciting new economic development tool to help us attract new business to the region,” said Andy McDonough, Port Authority business development director.

Completion of the Airpark Phase II project is scheduled for November 2004.

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CONTACT: Andy McDonough, Business Development Director, phone 218-727-8525

More Press Releases, 2004