MSC News

MSC News National Headlines Sports Top Headlines CBS US News CBS Technology

Printer Friendly

Email to a Friend

Grain Facility Project Draws Controversy in Falls City

By Matthew Leaf

08/21/2012

(KTNC) - A standing-room-only audience crowded into the Falls City Council Chambers Monday night. Most were there for a discussion on a proposal by Consolidated Grain and Barge to locate a looped track grain shipment facility in Falls City.
About 60 people attended Monday’s City Council meeting for a nearly hour-long discussion about the C-G-B plans and its potential impact on the local economy. Stacey Bailey with Strausville Grain said C-G-B is a big elevator that would eventually put local elevators out of business, as C-G-B could offer farmers more money for their crops. She said that would jeopardize many other jobs. (play audio :45)
Bailey said the company also has other interests, including fertilizer, crop insurance, and financial services, that if offered locally could affect other established businesses.
Dave Irwin, the General Manager of Salem Grain, concurred with Bailey. He said C-G-B would benefit farmers, but would hurt independent truck owner-operators who couldn’t make a living hauling grain shorter distances. He argued the jobs lost would more than offset the eight to ten jobs created by the company locating in Falls City. (play audio :27)
C-G-B representative Eric Kresin (kreh-seen) spoke to some of the concerns, and said the company is not a “big scary monster.” (play audio :23)
Fall City EDGE Executive Director Beckie Cromer highlighted some of the economic benefits the company would bring to Falls City. (play audio :45)
Cromer said any tax incentives the company gains are ones they qualify for by law, including Tax Increment Financing. (play audio :38)
Cromer said similar facilities are being built across the country, and noted one proposed 25 miles south of Falls City near Willis, Kansas.
Following C-G-B discussion, the Falls City Council unanimously approved a petition to annex 160 acres of land into Falls City. The land, owned by Reesman Investment Corporation and Towle Realty, is located on the southwest edge of Falls City and would be the location of the proposed C-G-B facility. The council also unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to formally annex the land into Falls City.

You will need to be logged in to leave a comment.

Please Login

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.

Click here to review our Terms of Use.