Winnebago County Aviation Business Park - Executive Summary

A Win – Win for the Entire County!

Background 

Winnebago County has weathered the recent economic downturn remarkably well. The diversity of our employer base is a one of the primary reasons why. We have a strong foundation but we know, now more than ever, that we cannot stand still - we must take action to build for the future. That’s what economic development is all about.

The world of economic development is a competitive one as states and locals jockey to bring in new and growing businesses. To be successful we must stand out. Many in the County have long believed that we have all of the components to transform Wittman Regional Airport into the global hub for general aviation year round: EAA world headquarters and AirVenture fly in, excellent airport facilities, an existing aviation cluster, supply chain and highly skilled labor in the field. 

To advance aviation related economic development on and around the airport, Chamco (the Oshkosh Industrial Development Corporation) formed the Chamco Aviation Committee over a year ago. Chamco is simply the catalyst organization for many others who have a passion for seeing Winnebago County become the home of a thriving general aviation business cluster. Partners in the effort include:

• Wittman Regional Airport and Winnebago County
• EAA
• City of Oshkosh
• Oshkosh Area Community Foundation
• University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
• Fox Valley Technical College
• Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce
• Oshkosh Area Economic Development Corporation (OAEDC)
• AeroInnovate
• Sonex Aircraft

To attract aviation related business to the airport we need an attractive location for them.  Often these businesses want access or proximity to an airport.  An aviation business park is an ideal solution. First, we need land.  The airport currently has less than 7 total acres available for development. Fortunately, there are currently two properties (totaling about 195 acres) for sale adjacent to the southeastern end of Wittman Regional Airport (see attached map).  The Chamco Board of Directors, the Oshkosh Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Oshkosh Area Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors and the Airport Committee of the Winnebago County Board each has recommended purchase of the land for development as an Aviation Business Park.

An Aviation Business Park: What Does it Mean  

The goals of the park are: 1) to assure development of land adjacent to the airport is consistent with airport and County objectives and 2) to drive economic growth. The University of Wisconsin Extension estimated that an Aviation Business Park could create up to 1000 direct jobs, an additional 600 jobs through enhanced economic effect and $343M in additional annual economic activity in the county.   

This is an Historic Opportunity and Partnership

The cost of the land is approximately $3M.  However, the County is likely to be reimbursed for up to 90% of the cost of the land from the Bureau of Aeronautics (the airport has been very successful in the past with obtaining BOA reimbursement).

The County has partners.  The City of Oshkosh and Chamco have proposed to help develop the Aviation Business Park using the model used to develop the Oshkosh Industrial Parks. The City will establish a TIF district to put in the necessary infrastructure such as roads, utilities and stormwater management facilities.   Chamco will market the park to prospective businesses.  It may take some time to fill the park, but we know how to do it.  Twenty years ago the Southwest Industrial Park in Oshkosh was farmland and today it is 800 acres; 90% full; home to Bemis, 4imprint, Miles Kimball and many others; employing 3500 people and having an assessed value of over $100M. 

The Approval Process 

The Winnebago County Board will vote on whether to purchase the two parcels of land on April 19^th. Once we have an affirmative vote, the County will work to finalize the purchase of the land (likely contingent on the City putting in the infrastructure).  The airport has already petitioned the Bureau of Aeronautics for reimbursement of up to 90% of the purchase cost.  Once the County has voted to purchase the land, City of Oshkosh Common Council will consider a proposal to establish a TIF district to develop the infrastructure of the park.

What can you do?

Contact your Winnebago County Board Supervisor! Whatever means - email, phone, face to face conversation – but let your Supervisor know this is a great opportunity and you support his/her YES vote. Explain how this is a WIN-WIN-WIN.

• We are well positioned to attract aviation related business.  We need land on the airport to do that.  An aviation business park is a great solution.
• Land is available now adjacent to the airport and there are willing sellers.
• The County is not in this alone. The City of Oshkosh is stepping up with a proposed TIF district to fund the needed infrastructure.  Chamco will be there to help market and develop the park.
• There is a strong likelihood that up to 90% of the investment will be reimbursed by the Bureau of Aeronautics.

All economic indicators point to recovery – we need to be ready with the tools to grow the economic base of our County!