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- Would-be investors in the Ogden airport will have an estimated $119.32 million in tax-increment finance funds to tap into for infrastructure improvements.
- Williams International is to be the first firm to tap into such funding in conjunction with a planned $1 billion expansion.
- Ogden leaders see the funding as a way of spurring development and growth at the small airport.
OGDEN — Ogden leaders have long dreamed of unleashing what they believe to be the economic potential of Ogden-Hinckley Airport.
Now they'll be able to tap into as much as $119.32 million in tax-increment finance funds — or TIF money — over 25 years to help leverage the efforts. Ogden leaders last month approved a revamped agreement with Weber County permitting use of county tax-increment finance funding generated within airport boundaries on airport infrastructure upgrades. A 30-day period to contest that accord and three others with other taxing entities ended on Monday without any protests and city leaders now hope to collect such funding starting this year.
"We anticipate that tax increment collection for the airport (community reinvestment area) will begin in 2025 now that all the interlocal agreements are finalized," said Mike McBride, spokesman for Mayor Ben Nadolski. The small municipal airport, home to one commercial carrier, encompasses 837 acres in western Ogden where the city abuts Roy.
Williams International, which develops gas turbine engines for business jets, unmanned aircraft and cruise missiles, would be the first firm to tap into tax-increment finance funding in conjunction with a planned $1 billion expansion. The Ogden Redevelopment Agency Board, made up of City Council members, approved an incentive agreement with the firm last month that would funnel $22 million in such money in coming years toward electrical infrastructure and other improvements that would benefit Williams and other area businesses.
The firm's $1 billion investment, which would result in the creation of 300 new high-wage jobs, "underscores our commitment to innovation and our dedication to creating high-quality jobs in the local community," Williams CEO Gregg Williams said when the plans were announced. Williams, based in Pontiac, Michigan, has operated in Ogden since 1978 and currently employs 900 in the city.
Tax-increment finance funds represent property taxes on new growth to be funneled as incentives for private development into public infrastructure projects instead of the taxing entities that would otherwise get the funds. In the Ogden airport investment area, the estimated $119.2 million in such funding would come from property taxes that would otherwise go to the Ogden School District, $68.55 million; the city of Ogden, $28.37 million; Weber County, $17 million; and the Central Weber Sewer Improvement District, $5.4 million.
McBride said other airport deals are in the discussion phase. A 2023 city analysis estimates potential development opportunities of $297.19 million involving aviation businesses, small airplane owners, air cargo firms, the military and commercial airlines. "We have been in conversations with a jet manufacturer but don't have any details or commitments to share at this time," he said.
Moreover, other initiatives are afoot at the airport, including a $4.4 million terminal upgrade launched in early January. Funding for the expansion is coming from city and Federal Aviation Administration grants. Plans call for a new terminal entry, expanded drop-off and pick-up zones for passengers, a new indoor baggage claim area and more. "Site utility work has been extensive and is also being worked on. The project is on track to complete in October of this year," McBride said.
Utah-based Breeze Airways offers flights to Orange County, California, from Ogden three times a week and officials have long dreamed of luring more. McBride said officials have been in contact with other carriers "but there is nothing definitive or that we feel should/could be shared at this time."
Emplanements at the Ogden airport have typically trailed far behind the figures for Utah's larger airports, including Salt Lake City International, Provo Municipal and St. George Regional airports, according to FAA numbers. Figures aren't yet available for 2024.
