The two people who will represent Jasper County on the Development Board for the new Jasper Rail Park have been chosen. The board members must approve the Development Agreements for projects within the 481 acre industrial park located around Iowa Interstate Railroad’s Newton railyard. The Jasper County Supervisors unanimously agreed on the selection of Brett Doerring and County Auditor Jenna Jennings. Supervisor’s Chairman Brandon Talsma says Doerring helped facilitate the land acquisitions for the rail park and is very familiar with the project.

“I also think that having him as one of the county representatives will bring a good perspective to it, because he’s not just going to look at it from the railroad’s perspective, the county’s, or the city of Newton’s. He’s going to look at it as what is good for the project, what’s good for this development.” 

Talsma stated that Jennings has also been involved from the beginning with the proposed industrial park, and is familiar with all the agreements and bylaws associated with it. The Rail Park’s Development Board will consist of these two members representing Jasper County, two members who vote on behalf of the railroad, and one representative for the city of Newton.