In November 2020, I appointed a seven-member Board of Commissioners for the St. Charles County Port Authority. I want to thank those board members for their willingness to serve and the work they already have begun to further economic development and innovation in St. Charles County.
The members are Roger Ellis, chair; Monica Combest, vice chair; Hyatt Bangert; Don Boehmer; Ken Dobbins; Tammy Holen; and Jeff Rothermich. They represent each of the County Council’s seven districts.
The establishment of the St. Charles County Port Authority is a needed addition as collaboration and cooperation across the county continue to play a critical role in our growth. The Port Authority adds another tool in our economic toolbox, allowing us opportunities to retain, expand and attract growing businesses to St. Charles County. It is an opportunity to keep more of our tax dollars here in the county, and to reinvest those dollars to continue to improve locally.
The Port Authority is a political subdivision of the State of Missouri and, as such, can create Advanced Industrial Manufacturing (AIM) Zones. New job growth within these defined areas allows the Port Authority to collect that portion of the State’s Employee Withholding Tax and reinvest it into infrastructure and site development for more business growth. Already, the Commissioners have started the process with the Missouri Department of Economic Development for approval of two such zones: The General Motors AIM Zone, which encompasses Highway A, north of I-70 and east of Highway 61; and the Missouri Riverfront AIM Zone, which runs from Route 364 north along the Missouri River to the Boschertown area.
The Port Authority is tasked to encourage private capital investment, freight and logistics, as well as bolster tourism. I am looking forward to seeing the business growth and economic development that other communities with successful port authorities have seen, and I am excited that this work is beginning. You can look forward to hearing more about the progress of the St. Charles County Port Authority as its board members lead this important work. View the Port Authority webpage to learn more.