FR 2021-00436

The Federal Register document discusses an application from Dane County, Wisconsin, to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board. The application requests that Coating Place, Inc.'s facility in Verona, Wisconsin, be granted subzone status under FTZ 266. This process would fall under the regulations of the Foreign-Trade Zones Act and is undergoing examination by designated FTZ staff members, Elizabeth Whiteman and Juanita Chen.

Summary of the Document

The document is essentially a formal notice that an application has been docketed, seeking subzone status for Coating Place, Inc., which operates in the town of Verona. This application, filed on January 6, 2021, is subject to a public commentary period until February 22, 2021, allowing interested parties to submit their views. Additionally, there is a rebuttal period extending to March 8, 2021, to allow for comments on the initial submissions.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable issues and concerns within the document:

1. Lack of Economic Impact Analysis: The document does not provide insight into the potential economic benefits or downsides of assigning Coating Place, Inc., subzone status. Without this information, the public and other stakeholders may find it challenging to form an opinion on the potential impact of this decision.

2. Impact on Local Businesses: There is no discussion regarding how this designation might affect other businesses within the region or if it could create an unlevel playing field, potentially favoring Coating Place, Inc.

3. Unexplained Terms: The mention of the "existing activation limit of FTZ 266" is not elaborated upon, which could lead to confusion for those not closely familiar with FTZ terminologies and regulations.

4. Complex Submission Process: The process for submitting comments is somewhat scattered throughout the document, without a centralized explanation, possibly daunting for those not familiar with regulatory procedures.

5. Limited Contact Information Clarity: While contact emails are provided for Elizabeth Whiteman and Juanita Chen, there is no clear guidance on what specific inquiries they will address, potentially leading to inefficiencies in communication.

Broad Public Impact

The document serves the vital function of informing the public and stakeholders about governmental processes regarding trade zones. For the general public, it provides an opportunity to engage with and potentially influence local development decisions. However, the lack of detailed information on the implications of granting subzone status may limit meaningful public participation.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For local businesses and competitors, the subzone designation could either present a competitive advantage to Coating Place, Inc., or impose competitive pressures, depending on how it impacts operational dynamics in the region. Furthermore, policymakers and economic organizations might use this information to plan and negotiate future trade or business-related decisions. Therefore, without clarity and more comprehensive data on the effects of this development, stakeholders could face uncertainties in their strategic planning.

In summary, while the document provides a basic framework for public involvement in the FTZ designation process, a detailed exploration of economic impacts and clarification of procedures would enrich the potential for informed stakeholder engagement and participation.