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Excelsior Springs is leading an effort to create an enhanced enterprise zone of more than 10 square miles in size, which could include portions of unincorporated Clay County, Kearney and other communities.

The zone would also include the Midwest National Air Center, which is located along U.S. Highway 69 near Excelsior Springs, according to Molly McGovern, small cities program manager for Mid-America Regional Council.

Property surrounding the airport has long been viewed as prime development ground for new industry in the area because it has multiple transportation modes available, including rail, freeway and air.

Any of the entities within the proposed district do have the option of opting out of the program, which promotes economic development in targeted areas through the use of incentives and tax abatement for new and existing businesses looking to expand.

A governing board for the district would have a key role in determining what the final incentives package would be and what businesses would qualify, according to McGovern.

She said a letter has gone out to the taxing jurisdictions within the proposed district, as they will have representation in the process.

Clay County Administrator Alexa Barton said it would be important to have a voice in the decision-making, if the county decides to participate in the proposed district.

“We want to make sure our areas are well represented,” she said.

McGovern said the next step in creating an enhanced enterprise zone would be to have representatives from the involved taxing jurisdictions meet to further discuss the proposal.

“After that there will be a public hearing,” she said.

McGovern also addressed what could be a concern for property owners.

“The creation of an enterprise zone does not change existing zoning within the boundaries,” she said.

Once the proposal is finalized, it will then be sent to the state for approval.

ONLINE

For more information about Missouri’s Enhanced Enterprise Zones, visit www.missouridevelopment.org.

Senior writer Mark Johnson can be reached at 781-4941 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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