Newton Rail Park Site Certification

Iowa Economic Development Authority has confirmed that the Newton Rail Park is now a certified site, meaning it meets or exceeds national standards and — most importantly — assures future business prospects that due diligence has been completed, reducing their risks for investing in the community.

Frank Liebl, executive director of Newton Development Corporation, announced the news during the public comment portion of the March 16 city council meeting. Economic development leaders and local governments have been working for months on this project. Liebl said it is a very detailed and expensive process.

“However, it will pay big dividends for Newton, Jasper County and Iowa Interstate Railroad for the next several years,” he said, noting the certification efforts were also assisted by utility partners, NDC and Jasper County Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO). “…We now have over 350 acres of ground certified.”

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