A Wisconsin Development Zone in Iron County was announced by Governor Tommy Thompson in September 1989. The Development Zone Council is the local management organization which is responsible for accomplishing the objectives of the Zone.

The Development Zone Council is in operation to coordinate economic development efforts, provide the answers to inquiries and requests by businesses interested in investing and creating jobs in Iron County, and to facilitate the application process for the state tax credits.

The benefits of this zone include tax credits from the State of Wisconsin for businesses locating or expanding in the Zone, and an organized local team to assist those businesses. Detailed general instructions, carry-forward of tax credits, job credits, certain exceptions, and further clarification of the credits will be available during the certification process. The extent of the credits for any given business will be determined during the certification process.

The area of the Zone currently includes the Townships of Oma, Knight, Anderson, Pence, Carey, Gurney, Kimball, Mercer, and Saxon, and the cities of Hurley and Montreal. The population of the Zone is about 6200. Approximately 6% of the land is devoted to commercial, residential, recreational, and support services (e.g. roads and highways). About 85% of the land is forested, wetlands or other wild lands. The remaining 9% is agricultural. Although much of the land is rural, services such as electricity, water, sewage, and roads are readily available. Electrical service is provided by Xcel Energy or Bayfield Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Contact us with your comments and questions.

Thank you for your interest in Iron County, Wisconsin!