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DOWNTOWN TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE FOR THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR (TIRZ) #1
A Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) is a special zone that was created by the City Council to attract new investments in an area. These zones help finance costs of redevelopment and promote growth in areas that would otherwise not attract sufficient market development in a timely manner. Taxes attributable to new improvements (tax increments) are set-aside in a fund to finance public improvements within the boundaries of the zone.
In 2013, the City of Port Arthur determined that it was necessary to take additional steps to attract new investments in the downtown area. As a result, it was determined that a TIRZ was an appropriate tool to attract businesses to the area consistent with the City’s Downtown Revitalization and Development Plan. The goal of the TIRZ is to help enhance and facilitate the commercial and industrial activity in the area. The funds generated from the new business activities will be used to fund capital projects, demolition, real property costs, etc., within the zone. Some of the proposed projects, include but are not limited to water utility, sewer, drainage improvements, paving, infrastructure, open space improvements, parking facilities, parks, community facilities, and walking paths.
The TIRZ #1 is approximately 372 acres strategically located within an area generally bounded by Houston Avenue on the west, Rev. Dr. Ransom Howard/7th Street on the north, Lake Charles Avenue on the east and the Sabine-Neches Canal/Port Arthur Ship Channel on the south, all as depicted in the "Location" tab.
City of Port Arthur Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1 Board of Directors:
The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Board #1 consists of 6 board members who serve in staggered two-year terms:
Thurman Bartie
City of Port Arthur Mayor
Thomas Kinlaw, III
Chairman - City of Port Arthur Councilmember
Charlotte Moses
City of Port Arthur Councilmember
Michael Shane Sinegal
Jefferson County Commissioner
James Gamble
Jefferson County Drainage District #7 Commissioner
Joseph Johnson
Sabine Neches Navigation District Commissioner
Incentives:
Downtown TIRZ #1 offers a wide-range of incentives to businesses and commercial property owners throughout the city looking to redevelop, re-use or preserve vacant land or existing buildings. For more information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (409) 983-8101. City officials will be happy to work with you on options available under the Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1.