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History of...
Wurtsmith Air Force Base (W.A.F.B) was decommissioned by the
Government in 1993. Along with the 379th
Bomb wing departure were 3,200 military personnel, 700 civilian jobs and a
direct negative economic impact to the area of over $85 million. Indirect
impacts were to schools, retail businesses and the local tax base that totaled
tens of million of dollars or more. The closure of the W.A.F.B. left a virtual
self-contained community in which the U.S. Air Force had invested tens of
million of dollars over seven decades in the infrastructure that it maintained
in top condition.
Visionaries in the community, however, saw the base closure
not as an economic catastrophe, but as an opportunity to build a healthier,
more stable industrial job base for northeast Michigan. The initial redevelopment of former base was
orchestrated by a government funded caretaker position partnered with the
creation of the Wurtsmith Development Commission (WDC) in 1994, which consisted
of 5 members from surrounding municipalities (Oscoda, AuSable, Greenbush, and
the counties of Iosco and Alcona).
In 1997 the Charter Township of Oscoda applied for and was
granted one of the newly created State of Michigan Renaissance Zones. Under the
Renaissance Zone Status, businesses within the zone are exempt from virtually
all state and local taxes for 15 years. With all the money saved from these tax
breaks it allowed those establishing new industry in the District to concentrate
monetary resources into working capital. This Renaissance Zone is scheduled to
sunset on December 31, 2011.
Present Day...
Today the Wurtsmith district is integral to the community’s
economic potential. More than 40 private businesses and public agencies use the
former Air Force facilities and infrastructure, providing more than 1,300 jobs
to the area, as well as the conversion of former base housing to 700 privately
owned residential homes.
Thanks to $5 million in state funding for construction of a
new 747 aircraft hanger in 2008, Kalitta Air has entered into an 18 year lease
with the Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport Authority. Kalitta, an air freight
service, will maintain and service its own jet fleet as well as others at this
site. Similar to the auto industry and
the spin-off businesses that surround a auto plant, having the anchor of
Kalitta Air has attracted other aviation-related business to Wurtsmith,
primarily those providing maintenance and repair of large aircraft. A primary
goal of the airport authority would be to position the airport as a hub for
maintenance activities. Other industrial businesses on the District include
several manufacturing facilities as well as a telecommunications company.
In addition to industry on the Wurtsmith District, you will
find a business and residential zone. The District is the location of the
Township owned Community Center, churches, medical care facility, the Public
Library, community college and performing arts theater. There are several
museums on the District including: The Yankee Air Force Wurtsmith Division ,
Veterans Memorial Park of Northeast Michigan, and the Melvin
Motorcycle Museum.
Future...
Real estate opportunities are available in both the
industrial and business zones on the District.. please see our Community
Development department Visit Michigan's Commercial Property and Information Exchange for more information.
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