The location of a $1.4 billion fertilizer plant in Tuscola will include more than $50 million in incentives from the state Cronus Chemicals confirmed Tuesday it’s chosen the site west of the city creating up to 2,000 construction jobs and about 200 permanent ones.
An announcement will be made in the city Wednesday morning. Dave Roeder is a spokesman for Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. He says the largest of the incentives approved by lawmakers this year gives Cronus tax exemptions for the plant site.
“This is exemptions on utility taxes and especially sales taxes for the equipment they buy, their construction materials, this is a very significant benefit to the company.”
Cronus spokesman Dave Lundy says Tuscola was chosen over 75 other sites in nine states, including Mitchell County, Iowa due to access to natural gas and a rail line at that location. Construction is expected to start next spring, and last about three years.
Governor Pat Quinn will be part of Cronus’ announcement Wednesday Roeder says his department was in contact with the company hoping the announcement would come before next week’s election. The economy has been a major election issue.
Republican challenger Bruce Rauner says the state needs to cut taxes and regulations and end the “special deals” that it offers to attract companies.