Oxford Airport Economic Growth Bill Passes House

State Representatives David Labriola, R-Oxford, Arthur O’Neill, R-Southbury, and Anthony D’Amelio, R-74 (Waterbury) today applauded their colleagues in the legislature for passing a bill to promote economic development near Oxford Airport, according to a news release from the Connecticut House Republican office.

Late Wednesday, the legislature approved H.B. 6529, An Act Promoting Economic Development in the Surrounding Area of Oxford Airport by a vote of 145 to 1, the release states.

Local officials state the bill will create an Oxford Airport Development Zone to foster new business development, add jobs and generate new municipal and state tax revenues.

“Investing in our local economy benefits the region and the entire state,” O’Neill stated in a news release. “Creating an enterprise zone around Oxford Airport will attract new businesses and will greatly increase the opportunities for job growth in our community.”

Labriola called it tremendous news for the people of Oxford and surrounding communities.

“This legislation creates an engine for economic growth and will allow the airport and the entire region to reach its full potential," he stated in the release.

D’Amelio agreed, adding in the release, “Oxford and Middlebury will directly benefit from this legislation as investment in the airport will boost the economy by bringing in a high-tech, specialized workforce along with new businesses. This is great news not only for the airport itself, but also the manufacturers and businesses that already serve the airport.”

The bill will now move to the Senate.