| Posted: October 9, 2009 |
| Keystone Opportunity Zone Extensions Approved |
| The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development (DCED) Secretary George Cornelius approved the extension of the Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) designation for various sites within Lackawanna County. Scranton Lackawanna Building Company (SLIBCO) was granted the extension, based on the success of the Jessup Small Business Center, Valley View Business Park and Scott Technology Park, where there are 23 developed sites with 9 companies employing over 1,350 and $106 million of investment. The potential that remaining sites in these parks and future sites of Valley View Business Park Phase II have for development was a major factor in the approval process. Approvals were given by Jessup Borough, Archbald Borough, Scott Township, Valley View School District, Lakeland School District and Lackawanna County to extend the designation on any unoccupied KOZ sites. “As the competition increases for economic development projects and job creation, the KOZ extension has pushed our area to the forefront as a leading contender for new projects”, stated Austin Burke, executive vice president of SLIBCO. In July 2008, Legislation House Bill 2297 was passed, allowing the extension of KOZ; this action extends benefits to 2017 and 2020. SLIBCO would like to recognize and thank Lackawanna County, Jessup Borough, Archbald Borough, Scott Township, Valley View School District and Lakeland School District for their continued support of such an important economic development program |
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