Leaders Create Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Officials have unveiled the county's first enterprise zone. Considered an economic gamechanger by leaders, the Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone will offer tax credits for businesses to reinvest in properties and tax benefits for those wanting to grow their employment base along Route 1 and in Columbia Gateway.

“The new Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone – and first ever in our jurisdiction – will generate capital investment and encourage economic development as well as job creation that will benefit residents and businesses in the heart of our Route 1 Corridor and Columbia Gateway District,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “This enterprise zone designation will be a premier tool in Howard County’s strategy for business attraction and strategic redevelopment.”

Established by the Maryland Department of Commerce in 1982, enterprise zones incentivize capital investments in businesses and create new jobs. One of just 36 such areas statewide in 20 jurisdictions, Howard County’s new enterprise zone encompasses 2,337 total acres of commercial and industrial properties along the Route 1 corridor roughly bounded by I-95 to the west, the Anne Arundel County line to the east, MD 100 to the north and MD 175 to the south.

The zone also includes the 1,000-acre business park at Columbia Gateway roughly bounded by Snowden River Parkway to the west, I-95 to the east, MD 175 to the north and the CSX rail line to the south. Several additional parcels just north of MD 175 adjacent to MD 108 are also included in the new zone.

Through its income tax credit, the enterprise zone program also encourages job growth by providing a one-time State income tax benefit of $1,000 for each new full-time employee hired in the zone. The program enhances this credit up to $6,000 total over three tax years for each economically disadvantaged employee hired.

“The Howard County Chamber views this opportunity zone as needed and essential during a difficult time in our state’s economy,” said Kristi Simon, president and CEO of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. “Maryland’s efforts to attract and retain business are limited by higher tax rates and employment requirements than our surrounding states. This project will allow businesses to receive property and income tax credits, making this a win-win for the business community and the residents of Howard County.”