Fertilizer company good for Iowa

In November 2012, the Iowa Fertilizer Company (IFC) had its groundbreaking in Lee County. I was excited and hopeful for this project because of the benefits it will bring to the area.

The population in Lee County has declined by 8 percent according to the 2010 census. IFC will help improve these numbers with the creation of more than 160 permanent, well-paid jobs and an estimated 2,500 construction jobs while the plant is being built. Not to mention the establishment of hundreds of support jobs once the plant is completed and new industries considering Lee County due to the by-products of IFC. The plant will move Lee County in a positive direction and doesn't deserve the negative criticism it has been getting.

I want to thank Gov. Terry Branstad and Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham for the confidence in Lee County and moving ahead with their plans of job creation and economic prosperity for Iowa. I support and appreciate this decision as it will give Lee County the ability to supply its residents with jobs and provide an opportunity for growth.

Bob Winckler

Fort Madison