State Representative Jon Dunwell says the new 367-acre industrial park that’s been established around Iowa Interstate Railroad’s Newton Rail Terminal and Renewable Energy Logistics Center is going to be a big benefit to taxpayers. Dunwell was among the legislative representatives who spoke at Thursday’s press conference in Newton, announcing the launch of Newton Rail Park. 

“When businesses come and move manufacturing and other things here, it spurs all kinds of subsidiary businesses. And that means it returns to the taxpayer. So one of the things leadership has to do is think about what is the return to the taxpayer. And when I look at this project, I see a significant opportunity for the taxpayer, and we are going to be reaping the benefits for years to come.”

Dunwell says the project represents the type of private-public economic development partnership and the leadership that’s needed to move the City of Newton and Jasper County forward.