(NEWTON, Kan.) — The Department of Commerce has awarded Newton more than $2.4 million for street improvements at the Kansas Logistics Park.
The grant comes from the Economic Development Administration. It will cover about half the cost of paving and intersection improvements for Spencer Road, Southeast 12th Street, Hillside, Southeast 24th Street and Southeast 36th Street.
The park is designed to capitalize on Newton’s unique combination of transportation assets, including rail, highway, air and direct access to waterways.
In late 2009, the park announced its first tenant, Tindall Corp. of South Carolina.
Tindall plans to build a $66 million facility at the park to manufacture concrete bases for wind turbines. The bases will allow the towers to be raised 90 feet higher for maximum effectiveness.
Tindall plans to break ground in early 2011. It will employ more than 400 by the end of its third year. At least eight other companies are currently considering the logistics park for new manufacturing facilities.
Last week, Newton applied for an additional $7.4 million for road and rail improvements through another grant program. Those grant awards will be announced this fall.
