The Iowa Fertilizer Company, a subsidiary of an Egyptian company, has signed a development agreement with Lee County. The project is the largest single capital investment in the state of Iowa. The fertilizer plant will be near Wever, Iowa, which is about 8-miles south of Burlington.
"I've been crossing my fingers for quite awhile."
Jeff Edwards restaurant and bar is the closest business to the plant's site. He is a big supporter of building the fertilizer plant in Lee County.
"A large amount of people around here think it's going to be a real game changer, especially for the businesses," says Edwards who owns Kenny's Place.
Lee County has one of the highest unemployment rates in Iowa. Edwards is hoping the plant changes that.
"This is kind of a slow place a lot of the time," Edwards adds, "In the evenings we get a decent crowd, but we would get a real good lunch crowd and breakfast crowd with the plant."
The fertilizer plant is a $1.2 billion project. It will bring 165 jobs to the area.
"The economic development impact will be great for Lee County and the state. It will have a significant impact in having us grow quality jobs," says Governor Terry Branstad, (R) Iowa.
The company will buy 17-parcels of farm land and one house that sits on the site. To land the project the state gave the Iowa Fertilizer Company more than $57-million in incentives.
"This is great for jobs, it is incredibly helpful to the Iowa farm economy," adds Governor Branstad.
People who live around the plant's site would not go on camera, but they do not support the project. Edwards hopes they come around once they see the economic benefits. He also hopes the company keeps all their promises.
"I hope these people fit in very well with the community and above all treat everybody nice," says Edwards, "I also hope they do the right thing for the community."
