In 1996, the March Joint Powers Commission decided to form the March Joint Powers Redevelopment Agency. Subsequent to the passing of Assembly Bill 3769, the March AFB Redevelopment Project Area was established. AB 3769 was developed to assist "military base conversion redevelopment agencies," and the Redevelopment Agency was permitted to include in a redevelopment project area up to 2% of lands within a one-mile perimeter of March AFB. The March AFB Redevelopment Project Area encompasses the entire former military base, along with 467 acres in the City of Moreno Valley Industrial Area.

The Redevelopment Agency will assist with the reuse and development of former base facilities, and promote economic development activities through promotional campaigns to major developer and investors. The attraction of larger master development proposals and programs to finance infrastructure deficiencies shall be undertaken by the Agency. Commerce and industrial developments shall be explored and supported by market feasibility studies.

March Joint Powers Redevelopment Agency is authorized by Section 33492.81 (a) of the California Community Redevelopment Law (California Health and Safety Code 33000 et al). The Agency's primary purpose is to carry out the actions necessary to implement the March AFB Redevelopment Plan for the purpose of effecting the March AFB Project Area improvements.

Find more information at the California Redevelopment Association website.

On October 5, 1999 Governor Davis signed AB 971(Olberg), which includes an amendment to the State Health and Safety Codes. It permits the March Joint Powers Redevelopment Agency and the County of Riverside to utilize the executed cooperative agreement, instead of the legislative pass-through.

In 1996, Riverside County and the March Joint Powers Redevelopment Agency negotiated a revenue-sharing agreement for tax increment revenue to the newly formed Agency. This agreement was executed by both parties, effective on August 20, 1996. Unknown to the Agency and the County was the pending urgency legislation, AB 2736 (enacted by the state on July 20, 1996), which repealed the provision in the Community Redevelopment Law that authorized Redevelopment Agencies to enter into negotiated pass-through agreements.

More information on this legislation can be found on the California State Senate website.

The March JPA sought and received designation of 2400 acres as a Foreign Trade Zone. The Zone is a new independent zone, versus an extension of an existing zone. The designation of a Foreign Trade Zone at March will assist businesses locating at March Inland Port or other locations on the former air force base to receive various tax breaks and incentives.

More information on Foreign Trade Zones can be found on our Airport page, or on the Trade Information Center website.