The Cass County Board of Supervisors today (Tuesday), passed a motion to proceed with an economic development proposal that could bring upwards of 30 jobs paying $18-to 22-dollars per hour. Supervisor’s Board Chair Steve Baier said he met with Allen Williams, Advanced Manufacturing, Foreign Direct Investment Coordinator with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), who explained that the as yet, unnamed East Coast Light Industrial manufacturer, is looking to move into a rural area similar to that found near the Atlantic Industrial Park, off Glacier/Echo Road.

Other details of IEDA project AW2247 include the need for:

• At least a 4 acre site;
• A 40,000 sq ft facility, with a peak height minimum 30 feet, and sidewall minimum 26- feet;
• Paved parking
• 480 volt, 3 phase electricity, 5000 amp transformer
• 1,000 gallons of water/ day primarily for cooling as well as water and sanitary sewer for staff needs.

The company, as mentioned, would like to locate in a rural county with a population center of about 7,000. They also want to be within 10 miles of four lane highway system, within 60 miles of major airport, and a local airport that could have a private jet. Rail access would be also be a plus. Baier said unlike other prospective employers, the company is NOT SEEKING TIF (Tax Increment Financing) or standard financial incentives, but they do expect some commitment from the Cass County or agencies to make the project happen.

He said it’s not known if the company is looking at other sites in Iowa. Supervisor Mark O’Brien said “I don’t think so, but I’d have to assume so.” The reason there are so few other details available, is because the County is working with IEDA, and not the prospective employer. The County will submit its proposal on Wednesday, stating its ability to meet the requirements of the project to Allen Williams at IEDA. Baier said that gets us into the “pool” of prospective communities and the possibility of meeting and discussing the details of the project with company executives. He said the project would fit in nicely with the RISE (Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy) requirement. Supervisor John Hartkopf said it means a potential increase in our tax base, if the project comes to fruition.