Scott County moves closer to establishing business incentive zone

BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County commissioners approved two pieces of paperwork required to establish the county's Enhanced Enterprise Zone.

During their regular meeting Tuesday, commissioners approved a strategic economic development plan presented Dec. 8 by Steve Duke, executive director of the Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission at Dexter.

Joel Evans, county developer, said the plan is required by the Missouri Department of Economic Development for the EEZ application.

"The plan was approved by the Enhanced Enterprise Zone board last Wednesday," Evans said. "The 29-page document describes the advantages available in Scott County and the challenges that need to be addressed over the next" five years and beyond.

Evans said the plan has six "major components." These are attracting businesses; the retention and growth of existing businesses; community infrastructure; education and workforce development; government economic development programs and services; and transportation.

"It provides the goals that the EEZ board will work to accomplish through incentives," he said.

Commissioners also approved revisions to a resolution passed in 2007 to designate an EEZ, according to Evans.

"We made some modifications today to reflect the enlarged area that's now eligible," he said. "There was also a change in the industries that are ineligible due to a change in the state program."

In areas designated by local governments and certified by the Missouri DED as an EEZ, incentives such as tax credits and tax abatement can be offered to qualifying new or expanding business that create jobs.