The Mississippi County Quorum Court will meet at 7 tonight in the courtroom of the Blytheville Courthouse, and justices are expected to appropriate $250,000 in economic development funds to bring another industry to the Arkansas Aeroplex.
In a Planning and Development Committee meeting Monday, Clif Chitwood, the county's economic developer, said Air France, which previously had a relationship with Aviation Repair Technology, wants to expand its operation at the Aeroplex. The company is expected sign a three-year lease on buildings at the Aeroplex and create an additional 25 jobs. The company now has 15 employees.
The county's $250,000 will be added to an additional $250,000 from the Arkansas Department of Economic Development and $100,000 from the USDA's Rural Development program to make repairs and renovations to the facilities.
The Court is also expected to pass a resolution amending a lease with Telling Industries in Osceola. The company will pay $68,890, and extend their lease agreement for 18 months. If the company does not maintain is present level of employment, the company will owe the county an additional $53,000, Chitwood said.
The Court will also consider an ordinance which will modify the county budget to reflect these changes.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com