Travis County Commission OK's Apple's Austin, Texas expansion plans
As expected, the Travis County (TX) Commission has approved an economic development package for Apple to spur the development of jobs in Austin. The package was approved last night by a 4-to-1 vote, and is expected to bring new jobs to Austin in return for US$5.4 to $6.4 million in tax rebates.
In return, Apple will make an expected $282.5 million investment in Austin. The company has also received an $8.6 million economic development grant from the city of Austin, as well as a similar $21 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund.
The incentives were key to Apple basing its Americas Operation Center in Austin, which is expected to add about 3,600 new jobs to the existing 3,100 who currently work at the Northwest Austin campus. Apple state and local governmental affairs manager Jason Lundgaard, who attended the Commissioners Court meeting last night, said that the company plans to work with the county to hire economically challenged individuals.
