Antelope Valley’s Bid for Job Zone OKd

A plan to create a state-backed, targeted employment zone in the Antelope Valley took a big step forward Tuesday when the final piece of the region’s application was approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

The proposal, which must also be approved by the state, would add nine neighborhoods in Lancaster, Palmdale and unincorporated north Los Angeles County to an existing zone. Employers who hire people living within its boundaries would receive significant tax breaks.

“It will create a lot of jobs out here,” said Howard Brooks, executive director of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade.

The region already has a state-backed enterprise zone, under which employers are granted tax credits for locating within the region or hiring certain groups of people, such as the disabled and ex-felons.

If the area is also designated a targeted employment zone, an employer does not have to be located within its boundaries to be eligible for the tax credits.

The employer just has to hire people who live within the zone.

The credits per employee can amount to $26,000 over a five-year period.

The enterprise zone has been in place for about a year, said Carrie Rogers, who oversees the project for the city of Palmdale.

Companies drawn to the zone by the benefits include Senior Systems Technology, which is relocating from Chatsworth, she said.

In addition, the Rite-Aid drug store chain is building a 1-million-square-foot warehouse and distribution center, she said.