By JIM BUTLER

A prospective occupant for a proposed new England Airpark sub-district projects creating 75 jobs, averaging $64,000 annually over its first year of operation.

In addition to that $4.8 million payroll it estimates supporting an additional 87 indirect and induced jobs with annual estimated payroll of $4.74 million.

England authorities are barred by a Non-Disclosure Agreement (sarcastically referred to by some as No Details Available) from talking about the matter.

England Authority Executive Director Ralph Hennessy could only say Tuesday that it involves an existing company in the parish, “looking to expand their operation in the area.”

The Authority will hold a hearing at its 4 p.m. meeting Thursday to receive any objections to the sub-district creation and, if it determines to do so, then designate and create the district.

Posted legal notice indicates the sub-district will consist of about 30 acres over two tracts just east of John Allison Drive on LA 28 West.

Legislation establishing the Airpark in the wake of the 1991 decision to close England Air Force Base allows the Authority using the entirety of Rapides territory for economic development pursuits.

The Authority was approached through LA Central about an “other grocery and related products merchant wholesaler” of plans to expand “by constructing an expanded logistical and transportation facility.”

The prospect whittled its list of potential sites to include Rapides.

The Airpark is one of six spotlight development sites listed by the regional economic developmental agency.

The applicant proposes a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to provide payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) of anticipated property taxes, as a result of the project, providing for land use zoning, permitting and plan review.