County Maintenance Director Ed Johnson told commissioners LSA America Inc. cannot be issued a certificate of occupancy because it must have work done to comply with its zoning classification as a moderate hazardous industry since welding and spray painting will be done.
While work could cost as much as $200,000, Johnson said the $70,120 would cover the minimum to make the building comply, which would give it a 15-minute barrier and three more inches of insulation.
Commissioners agreed to take the money from its fund balance.
The company, which announced its plans in April, will create 34 jobs and invest $400,000 during the next three years.
The project was made possible in part by a $136,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
LSA America is the manufacturer of the Allegro Light Sport Aircraft. The light sport aircraft’s performance, quality, low maintenance costs and low operating costs continue to bring new sales and increase market share despite the recession, the company said in a press release.
LSA will target aviation flight schools and General Aviation pilots for sales in the U.S. and around the world.
The company will lease the Littleton building while a new production hangar is constructed at the Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport.
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $28,118 plus benefits. The Halifax County average annual wage is $27,404.
In another matter today, County Manager Tony Brown introduced new health director, Barbara Ellis Harris, to the board.
Brown said Harris, who has been on the job for the past three weeks, came from Wayne County, Michigan, where she was an assistant director.
Working in the suburbs of Detroit, Harris said she oversaw 217 employees and 34 programs.
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