Economic development initiative underway to bring new business to Independence Industrial Park
At this evening’s meeting, the Independence City Commission cleared the way for a major economic development project in the West Laurel Industrial Park. The commissioners approved the sale of 36.1 acres of land in the industrial park at a reduced cost to JDKS Bundle LLC, a company that plans to develop a warehouse and distribution facility on the property. Commissioners also approved the extension of public utilities and Enterprise Drive to the facility site, as well as approved submission of any applicable grants to fund related public infrastructure improvements. The utility and roadway expenses total up to $1.1 million.
Independence City Manager Kelly Passauer explained the planned facility will be approximately 180,000 square feet, and total project costs will be approximately $20 million. She said the project is expected to take up to 22 months. Many new jobs will be created within the first year and are expected to increase as operations at the facility come up to scale.
“Several individuals and organizations have collaborated and worked very hard over the past several months to bring this project to fruition,” Passauer said. “I greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts. This is a big win for Independence.”
Passauer said the team has worked closely with the Kansas Departments of Commerce and Transportation to hash out the details of this project. She also recognized the individual contributions of her fellow team members, including Mayor Louis Ysusi, Vice Mayor Dean Hayse and Commissioner Leonhard Caflisch; Independence Economic Advisory Board Chair Chuck Goad; former Montgomery County Action Council Director Trisha Purdon and Interim Director Jim Kelly; Shawn Turner, TranSystems; City Attorney Jeff Chubb; and City leaders David Cowan, Assistant City Manager; John Garris, Engineer; and Lacey Lies, Finance Director.
More information will be announced as plans develop, Passauer said.