Announcement Made Regarding Fenton Chrysler Plant
FOX2
January 27, 2011
Tax incentives that won't hit the state's budget are being proposed for the old Chrysler plant site in Fenton and commercial property within a one mile radius of the old factories. Firms bringing new, quality jobs with health insurance would be allowed to keep the state withholding tax from workers for up to three years.
Legislation introducted Thursday would also create an enterprise zone for the area. It is all designed to bring new jobs to the area that lost thousands of jobs when Chrysler and its nearby suppliers closed up shop. Republicans State Senator Eric Schmitt of Glendale and State Rep. Mike Leara of St. Louis County wrote the two laws. They have support from St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley who is a Democrat. "We have skilled people right now in our area without jobs. We want to make sure to keep a skilled workforce here," said Dooley.
"No one is paying taxes there right now, said Sen. Schmitt. "I think there is broad bipartisan support if you're gonna bring jobs to the area we're gonna allow you to keep those withholding taxes that normally would be forked over to Jefferson city so you invest in St. Louis County."
Fenton Mayor Dennis Hancock welcomed the proposals. "I think this is an important first step. It will let employers know we're open for business," Hancock said.
It could take six months or more for the economic incentive legislation to become law.
Link to broadcast: http://www.fox2now.com/news/ktvi-announcement-fenton-chrysler-plant-12711,0,4168150.story
