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What is the Stark County Port Authority (SCPA)?
What programs and services does the SCPA offer?
How does the SCPA work with other development organizations in the county, region and state?
Can the SCPA assist companies in International Trade?
What is the Stark County Port Authority (SCPA)?
The SCPA is a public entity created by the Stark County Commissioners in 1995 to provide the greater Stark County area with another economic development tool. The Port Authority’s goal is to generate new capital investment and jobs by helping existing companies grow and expand, and attracting new companies.
The SCPA is governed by a 5-member Board of Directors.
Each member of the Board is appointed by the Stark County Commissioners
to serve four-year terms.
Current Board of Directors
The SCPA contracts with the Stark Development Board to provide administrative and consulting services to assist the SCPA in the conduct of its business. The Stark Development Board (SDB) is a private, not-for-profit economic development organization created in 1985 by business and public officials. The SDB serves as the lead organization in Stark County to retain businesses, assist existing businesses with expansion, and attract new companies, capital investment and jobs to Stark County.
Learn more about the Stark Development Board
The SCPA has received initial "start-up" funding from Stark County government. The Port Authority also collects fees from companies who take advantage of the various types of programs it provides.
What programs and services does the SCPA offer?
The SCPA offers a variety of programs and services to assist companies who are interested in expanding or relocating their operations. SCPA programs include:
Bond Financing for Established Companies
Real Estate Acquisition and Development
Special note:The Stark County Port Authority does not make direct grants to businesses. Its programs are generally directed at manufacturing, warehouse/distribution or large service companies. For information on direct asset financing, contact the Stark Development Board.
How does the SCPA work with other development organizations in the county, region and state?
The SCPA and the Stark Development Board are available to assist companies by calling together a team of development organizations and experts to coordinate local, state and federal assistance to companies interested in constructing new facilities in Stark County. These teams typically include the Ohio Department of Development, the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Governor’s Regional Development Outreach Office, The Northeast Ohio Trade and Economic Consortium, Stark County and other local elected officials, and the area chambers of commerce.
Can the SCPA assist companies in International Trade?
Yes, the Port Authority helps to administer Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #181 within Stark County. An activated FTZ is a secured area located within the County, but considered to be outside the U.S. Customs territory. Foreign goods may be admitted into the zone, but are not subject to duty until the goods are withdrawn from the zone and enter U.S. commerce. Processing goods within an activated FTZ may substantially reduce or eliminate tarriffs altogether.
