Bentley Talks Jobs with Dothan Chamber

Oct. 3, 2012

Oct. 02--Alabama's governor said Tuesday that state and local officials are working together to fill the jobs void left in Dothan by Pemco World Air.

The aircraft maintenance company announced earlier this year it is filing for bankruptcy and closing its Dothan facility. In comments to local media Tuesday after his address to the annual Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, Bentley said progress is being made.

"We are working right now on some possibilities I can not discuss specifically," Gov. Robert Bentley said.

Local industry recruiters have been marketing the soon-to-be-vacant space left by Pemco to other aviation-related companies. The hangars, runway space and other resources at the Dothan Regional Airport make the site attractive to other companies, although an expensive overhaul to the site may be required.

Bentley focused on jobs and economic development in his address to the chamber, touting the success Alabama had in recruiting major car manufacturers as well as aircraft manufacturer Airbus, which announced it will locate in Mobile.

Bentley said incentives are necessary to lure big industry to Alabama and that the incentives offered are worth the cost because not only will the main business bring jobs to Alabama, but manufacturers typically attract suppliers as well.

Bentley said he would like to see Dothan land an Airbus supplier.

The idea is possible. In a story published Tuesday, Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield told al.com that while primary suppliers tend to locate closer to the main business, an outer band of secondary suppliers could locate anywhere from 100 miles to 300 miles from the main business.

Dothan's proximity to Interstate 10, which goes through Mobile, could be beneficial as well.

Bentley said that although the state budget is suffering, Alabama should remain committed to making funds available for industry incentives.

"If we are looking at companies to come here, we have to be able to have some incentive money," Bentley said.

Bentley supports Amendment 2 on the November general election ballot. He said the Amendment would tweak current law to free up additional money for industry recruitment. The state can currently issue up to $750 million in bonds to be used for industry recruitment. However, Bentley said current law counts a bond refinance as an additional bond issue, meaning that a $50 million bond issue currently being refinanced would count as $100 million toward the $750 million limit. Bentley said Amendment 2 would remove the refinance language and also allow bonds that had been repaid to be reissued. He said it would not change the $750 million limit.

Bentley said 2013 will be a financially challenging year for the state.

"We knew it was going to be," Bentley said. "But there are better days ahead."

Copyright 2012 - Dothan Eagle, Ala.