Iowa Competes for Renewable Energy Technologies

Jobs creation projects win Economic Development incentives

February 15, 2007 (Des Moines, Iowa) – Renewable energy growth dominated actions today by the Economic Development Board and Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) to stimulate jobs creation in the state of Iowa. Incentives were awarded to attract a world leading wind energy company, build four new ethanol plants and create industries of the future throughout the state. The nine projects approved for state incentive programs today will create and retain 372 jobs and attract new capital investment of $763 million.

“We are moving forward toward the goal of having Iowa fuel the world. Today’s actions will stimulate significant growth in the renewable energy industry,” said Mike Tramontina, acting IDED Director. “When these very large investments begin, it will have significant impact on Iowa with new construction jobs and demands for materials and services needed to complete facilities.”

Since July 2003, the board and department have assisted 415 projects that will create or retain 32,022 jobs. New capital investment planned with these projects totals more than $9 billion.

For more information, contact: Kay Snyder, IDED, 515.242.4710