Keokuk, IA – Keokuk is looking to make some additions to its "Economic Development Tool Box." The city is applying to be one of two "pilot cities," from Eastern Iowa, for the state's new Targeted Jobs Tax Withholding Credit program. SEIRPC's David George says the selected cities would be able to offer more state incentives, including tax credits, to businesses looking to expand or develop. George says businesses would have to meet investment and hiring requirements to qualify. He says the application is due next week. The Iowa Department of Economic Development could select the two cities next month. George says several other Eastern Iowa cities, including Fort Madison, Burlington, and Davenport, are also applying to be in the program.
Meanwhile, Keokuk will now be applying for two Iowa Transportation Enerprise Zones, instead of just one. The city council approved the final map during Thursday night's meeting. One zone runs through the city's south side, along the Mississippi River, while the other is on the city's Northwest side, near the Highway 61 Bypass. Keokuk's application should be reviewed, next month, by the Iowa Department of Economic Development. If approved, businesses located within, or moving into, the districts would be eligible for tax incentives if they meet job creation, investment, and salary requirements. The state has already approved the creation of 5 seperate transportation enterprise zones in Fort Madison.