HEATH-NEWARK-LICKING COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY
                      PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE					CONTACT:
Sept. 10, 2002	                 Rick Platt, 740-788-5500 ext. 35

     PORT AUTHORITY TAKES KEY NEXT STEP ON FOREIGN TRADE ZONE
Expansion of Rickenbacker Foreign Trade Zone to Licking County Gains Support

HEATH – The Board of Directors of the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority 
today approved an agreement with Franklin County’s Rickenbacker Port Authority which 
promises to bring Foreign Trade Zone status to Licking County next year.  The Port 
Authority authorized an expenditure of $10,000 as part of the initial cost of 
applying for the extension.

Federally-designated foreign trade zone’s are viewed as an economic development tool 
aimed at promoting international trade.  Companies located in such zones are exempted 
from certain taxes in order to have a more level playing field in the global 
marketplace.

The proposed extension of zone status will encompass 49 acres of Port Authority-owned 
property in Heath on the campus of the Central Ohio Aerospace and Technology Center.

“We’re not overselling the importance of Foreign Trade Zone status or saying it is the 
end-all for economic development, “ said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Platt.
“However, it is a marketing tool and one that keeps us competitive versus other 
locations around the globe offering similar advantages.  We are pleased with the 
enthusiastic support so many leaders in our community have provided to this effort.”

The measure was widely supported.  Those providing letters of support which will be 
included in the application for expansion to the U.S. Department of Commerce include 
Congressman Bob Ney, Congressman Pat Tiberi, State Senator Jay Hottinger, State 
Representative Dave Evans, Licking County Commissioners, Heath Mayor Dan Dupps, Heath 
City School Board, Newark & Licking County Chamber of Commerce President Elizabeth 
Welsh, and Licking County Planning and Community Development Department.

Final federal approval on the extension isn’t expected until late 2003.

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