Clinton celebrates ‘game-changer’ year

CLINTON, Iowa – New and expanded businesses. New and more housing. More jobs. More opportunities. Those were some of the top themes and subjects presented by Clinton Mayor Scott Maddasion on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 17, during his 2022 State of the City address. The event, which drew more than 100 people for a lunch meeting, […]

CLINTON, Iowa – New and expanded businesses. New and more housing. More jobs. More opportunities. Those were some of the top themes and subjects presented by Clinton Mayor Scott Maddasion on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 17, during his 2022 State of the City address. The event, which drew more than 100 people for a lunch meeting, was held at the Eagle Point Lodge.

Before his State of the City address, the mayor told the QCBJ that many of the success stories this year have been due to keeping the lines of communications open between the city, its citizens, businesses, government officials and others; as well as forming partnerships with the same groups. “We are really going to hammer hard on the partnerships that are needed to get the city to move forward,” he said before his presentation. While much of his speech focused on accomplishments of the past year, Mr. Maddasion also used the event to make an announcement on a big event set for next year. The mayor said Wild Rose Casino & Resort in Clinton will be the title sponsor for next summer’s country music festival called Tailgate ‘N Tallboys.  That event, set for June 8-10 on the Clinton riverfront, will feature country music stars such as Tom McGraw, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jack Owen, Jo Dee Messina and others. The concert is being presented by the city and USA Concerts. Next year could also be a time of big business growth in Clinton. During his presentation, the mayor outlined two major projects that are in the works at the Lincoln Industrial Rail and Air Park. Those projects are:

• Project New Horizon is a $200 million project that will bring 213 “high-quality” jobs to the city, and will be on 150 acres.
• Project MG is a $900 million project that will bring 68 “high-quality” jobs to the city, and will be on 95 acres, according to the presentation.

City officials said they could not give any more details on the projects. Andy Sokolovoch, president and CEO of the business advocate group Grow Clinton, also said he could not provide any information on the projects.

Project MG has been mentioned by city and business development officials for at least the past two years. The name of the potential employer has never been made public. But according to a State of Iowa application for a revolving loan for fiscal year 2022, Clinton’s Project MG is described as: “Company is building a plant to convert locally produced agricultural feedstock into renewable fuels. Rail facilities improvement will connect the plant to UP (Union Pacific) railroad.” Mr. Maddasion also outlined what he called “game-changer” projects, such as bringing fiber optics to offer “fast, reliable” internet service to the community. Some of the other success stories he outlined included:

• Economic growth – The mayor said that from 2020 through this year, there has been more than $1 billion in capital improvements that have happened or are in the works in commercial, manufacturing and industrial projects along with $54 million in housing projects. Some of the top projects: the $156 million expansion of the Nestle Purina plant in Clinton; Timken Drives relocating its auger manufacturing operations to Clinton and bringing in 102 new jobs; ADM celebrating its 40th year in the city; and an expansion at Big River Packaging.
• Education projects – The opening of the $9 million Clinton Career Advancement Center; the $66 million Clinton High School project continues; and a new academic wing of the school is expected to be done soon.
• Road projects – There are two big projects on the horizon, totaling $37.7 million: work on Manufacturing Drive, set to start in the spring of 2024; and Bluff Boulevard work, set to start in the spring of 2025.
• Housing – There have been 47 new homes and 350 apartments built or created in Clinton in the past five years, the mayor said. One of the projects outlined was the $13.5 million project to turn the Wilson Building into apartments. “We need to have top-notch living areas” in downtown, Mr. Maddasion said.
• Demolition – The city has applied for a Brownfield Grant to fund demolition of old buildings in the 1000 block of South Fourth Street.
• Grant funding – Clinton has received about $35.1 million in grants in the fiscal year. Some of that grant money includes: Railpark RISE grant – $3.1 million; lead abatement – $2.8 million; flood prevention – $650,000; Harts Mill Road work – $625,000; Wilson Building facade – $500,000; Ericksen Center, roof and HVAC – $226,000;

“We have a strong community. Clinton is a great place to call home,” the mayor added.