Efforts to bring a wind blade manufacturing company, TPI to Sioux City are moving right along after tax incentives were approved by the state today.
Now it's all up to the company if they want to build a new plant in town.
Plans for a wind blade manufacturing plant currently in the works for the Southbridge Development Area could bring in more than 500 jobs and further development for the entire area.
With so much at stake, the first steps of the project becoming a reality came down to a vote this morning.
"The department of economic development board this morning approved the exciting wind energy project for Sioux City!" Said Iowa Governor Chet Culver during a campaign stop in Sioux City.
That announcement made by Governor Chet Culver was what Sioux City and Woodbury county officials have been hoping for despite news the wind energy company they want to come to town– is laying off people at its plant in Newton, Iowa.
"TPI has laid off a number of employees down in Newton, my anxiety went up like crazy. But I know now its going to be a temporary thing for them and I think that we're still very viable here in Sioux City." Says Woodbury County Commission, George Boykin.
Sioux City stands to receive $2.5 million in state funds and TPI would be awarded $550,000 to help the project along.
The only thing keeping both parties from that money is whether the company actually decides to build in Sioux City.
"The Iowa Department of Economic Development is under the understanding that we definitely are a front runner for this facility and feel very good that with today's actions, that it's definitely another major step forward in going ahead to look to Iowa." Says Kay Snyder, Communications Director with the Department of Economic Development.
City and County officials say while the tax incentives are being given the go–ahead, negotiations with TPI are still being discussed. But they like their odds.
"Part of TPI will need a retraining cycle, so to me the beauty of it is that they can basically hire their workforce while construction is happening on the building and have these people ready to go– that's a very appealing proposition to them." Says Debi Durham, President and CEO of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce.
While TPI says they have no immediate plans to make a decision at this time, area officials are hoping for a decision from them by early this summer.
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With the tax initiative approved by the Iowa Economic Development board for Sioux City and TPI, Iowa Republican party officials say the news of the TPI decision is great news for Iowa and Sioux City.
But they feel spending millions of dollars to create jobs is the wrong way to go about it.
"We understand ultimately that it isn't more state spending that creates jobs. Its creating an environment that incentivizes individuals to make decision to create jobs." Says Matt Strawn, Iowa GOP Chairman.
Iowa Republicans suggest lowering restrictions on business owners and becoming a more business friendly state in order to create jobs.
