FARGO (KFGO) - The new FedEx air shipping facility in Fargo is operating at full speed. The company recently completed its move from Grand Forks to Fargo's Hector International Airport.
Company spokeman Flynn Wallace says the there are 62 flights in and out weekly. The aircraft coming in are Airbus A-300's, 757's and smaller regional aircraft that service other cities. There are also 100 truck routes weekly. The facility operates 7 days a week.
The shipping giant is investing $6.5 million in the ramp operation. That includes modification of an existing building for sorting that is leased and a new hanger for aircraft maintenance and ground support equipment. Twenty-five percent of the 80 employees are full-time. The remainder are part-time with starting wages of $13.40 an hour. 17 workers transferred when operations moved to Fargo. FedEx says it still has some openings.
Fargo approved a controversial $660,000, 10 year property tax exemption for the FedEx facility which was narrowly approved by city commissioners several months ago.
Mayor Tim Mahoney says the incentive was part of the formula that helped bring FedEx to Fargo. He says in the long run, the tax break will pay off and is likely to attract other business.