Pushing for a proposed more than billion dollar investment. Last week a Scott County commission voted against recommending the re-zoning of land here between Walcott and Davenport for the proposed Iowa Fertilizer Company manufacturing facility. That vote the first of many still needed to make the plant reality. After a rough patch, there is still a lot of work being done to give the community a closer look at the project.
After about two hundred people packed into a public hearing last Tuesday, it was clear that many people need some selling on this proposal. While some are positive about potential benefits to the area agricultural community and a boost to property taxes, many have concerns and questions on impact to neighbors, using quality ag land, and safety measures. One group trying to get those answered is the Quad Cities Chamber.
QC Chamber representatives continue to sell the fertilizer plant idea on the community to get more people on board. Wednesday they sent out more information to local groups and businesses that answers questions many have on this major proposal.
- What experience and track record does Orascom, the company's owner, have with fertilizer plants?
"They operate plants in the U.S. and several other countries. They've been in business since the 1950's," said Bill Martin, Senior VP of Economic Development. He says the plant in Beaumont, Texas has a "lost time to injury" rate ten times better than the industry average.
- How will the plant impact traffic in the area?
"There will be peak times during the year that production is at higher rate than normal," added Martin. On an annual average, 150 trucks will enter or leave the facility and 50 rail cars will be loaded each day. During peak season that's 350 trucks and 150 rail cars a day. The chamber has asked for a traffic study comparing it to current levels.
- Where will the company get water it needs?
The plan is to use Iowa American Water. "They've had discussions with the company about the possibility of supplying 6 million gallons a day that would be needed at the plant," said Martin. On site wells may also be used as backup.
- What incentives are being offered to the company?
"They'll have to apply again to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for an incentive package," said Martin. Aside from that the company was offered an incentive commitment form another Iowa community. The same may not be available in Scott County, but possibly something similar.
"Trying to work with the company to make sure all the questions get answered," added Martin. Chamber reps say they expect more details from the company ahead of the next public meeting.
County planners say the company requested the next public hearing be pushed back until the week of August 27th. There's no word on why. That meeting will in front of the county board of supervisors at Davenport North High School.
The pressure is on for Scott County. There are reportedly two spots in Mercer County that could work as well. A county rep tell us they'd get permits ready as soon as possible. Iowa Fertilizer Company is also looking at several other communities in Iowa as possibilities.
