The Jasper County Board of Supervisors took steps this week to move closer to borrowing $5.1 million, with $4.3 million in Taxable General Obligation Urban Renewal Capital Loan Notes going to land acquisition and development of the Jasper Rail Park Urban Renewal Area. 

The planned 481 acre industrial park just northeast of Newton is being developed as a joint project between Jasper County, the City of Newton, Iowa Interstate Railroad, and Alliant Energy. The project is designed to attract businesses needing rail access or with high energy requirements. Jasper County Board of Supervisors Chairman Brandon Talsma says another $800,000 in General Obligation Capital Loan Notes would fund projects at a county park, nature preserve, and by the County Law Enforcement Center.

“This would be the proceeds that would be going to the shop at Mariposa, the shed at Krumm, and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Training Facility.”

The Jasper County Board of Supervisors have approved Electronic Bidding Procedures for this borrowing, but a bid date has not been set.