The top executives of a company that plans to build a 15-BILLION dollar steel mill in southeast Iowa joined President Trump in the Oval Office today (Monday) to announce the project. Prashant Ruia’s (pruh-SHAHNT ROO-ee-uh’s) family founded the Essar (S-R) Group, which owns the iron ore mine in Minnesota and will be building the plant in Lee County. He is director of Essar Capital.
Essar chairman Rewant Ruia (reh-WANT ROO-ee-uh) says his family has built world-class steel plants in India and all over the globe.
Several Iowa officials were in the Oval Office for the announcement, including Governor Reynolds.
The governor did not unveil details of a state incentive package, but indicated she’s been involved in negotiations with the company.
Reynolds says supply chain issues during COVID underscore how important it is to increase steel production in the U-S.
And Reynolds says a natural gas pipeline will be extended to the plant, providing critical infrastructure that will benefit residents and businesses in the area as well. Senator Joni Ernst says the plant will use an American resource to produce steel for Americans.
Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks represents Lee County, which she says has been an area that’s seen an exodus of jobs to other states and other countries.
Congresswoman Ashley Hinson also focused on the 17-hundred full-time jobs promised once the plant opens.
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After Hinson’s remarks, Trump announced he plans to be in Iowa before the election.
