Gillibrand: Expanding Suffolk's Foreign Trade Zone Key to Region's Growth

This story was posted by Amanda Lindner. It was written by Ryan Bonner.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand made a visit to Melville Friday morning to urge the U.S. Commerce Department to approve Suffolk County's request to expand its Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) program. 

Gillibrand, speaking during a press conference at International Warehouse Group, said the program's expansion would encourage more companies with import and export operations across the county to take advantage of associated tax breaks and incentives. 

Currently, the county and the Town of Islip manage a 52-acre FTZ site near MacArthur Airport. Under the requested expansion, businesses not currently located at that site would be able to apply for the same benefits in an expedited and streamlined manner, Gillibrand said. 

"While the FTZ is still one of Long Island's greatest resources, not every company can afford to relocate into the zone," said Gillibrand, who is a member of the President's Export Council. "Suffolk's effort will make it easier for businesses across the county to access the FTZ program and strengthen their global competitiveness. Boosting the region's exports is a win-win for Long Island and for businesses."

Long Island has been expanding its exports, Gillibrand said, from $8.6 billion of overseas business in 2007 to nearly $11 billion in 2011. Suffolk accounts for an estimated 8.4 percent of New York State’s exports value. 

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone called the FTZ expansion a very important issue for the county. 

"I think Suffolk County is a place that can be an economic powerhouse in our region and in our country," he said, adding of the expansion, "This is something that will move us closer to seeing that happen."

Jeffrey Heydt, the CEO of International Warehouse Group, which provides storage and assembling services for some of the nation's biggest companies, said that the FTZ designation is a "wonderful tool for all."

"This will allow International Warehouse Group to grow, hire additional employees and expand to future locations on Long Island," Heydt said. "Our goal is to bring additional tax revenues and dollars back to Long Island."