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Bailey-sponsored bill would
promote local tourism and economic development by helping commuter air
carriers
House Bill 1287 passes off House floor
A measure co-sponsored by
Rep. Barbara Bailey would promote local tourism and
economic development by allowing a small airline that services the
region to purchase aircrafts at reduced prices.
House Bill 1287, passed off the House floor on a 92-4 vote
Tuesday, would exempt the purchase of a small airplane by a commuter air
carrier from the sales and use tax.
“This is a break that our
commuter air carriers really need. The end result would be more
intrastate routes for commuter flights in Washington, which would
promote tourism and economic development in smaller, rural communities,”
said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. “It would create a
competitive advantage for our state by allowing for more intrastate air
service.”
Repair and related services for commuter airlines'
small aircraft would be exempted from sales and use taxes under
House Bill 1287. The measure would also expand the number of
planes an in-state commuter air carrier could overnight in Washington
state. This would keep them from having to overnight planes in other
states, which would save them on costs and convenience.
Bailey pointed out that Kenmore Air, a commuter air carrier
that operates in the Pacific Northwest and her district, testified in
favor of the bill.
House Bill 1287
is now in the state Senate for further consideration.
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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