Includes $780,000 In Grants To Start Operations

Brazilian planemaker Embraer agreed in May to establish a production line for its upcoming Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 light jets in Melbourne, FL... but city officials are still willing to give the company even more money to sweeten the deal.

On Tuesday, the Melbourne city council approved the city's approximately $1.25 million incentive package that lured Embraer to Florida. The deal -- reached during negotiations that continued even after the initial approval was announced last month, as ANN reported -- includes $786,443 in economic development grants and tax exemptions over the next five years.

City officials also added land-clearing assistance and the promise of speedier permit applications to sweeten the deal even further, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

"This contract was a bear," Councilman Mark LaRusso praised City Attorney Paul Gougleman for his work on the deal. "You did a great job."

Not everyone gave their ringing endorsement to the deal, however. Councilwoman Joanne Corby voted against the incentives package, on concerns about how much money would be given to Embraer upfront.

Gougleman replied some of the money will be held until Embraer meets certain obligations and goals. "The bulk of the building would have to be put up," he said.

In all, Embraer is slated to receive over $13 million in incentives from the city, Melbourne Airport, Brevard County, and the state of Florida. The $41 million project is expected to create at least 200 jobs in the area, with an average annual salary of $50,000.

FMI: www.embraer.com