P&G expansion

Last week the Cape Girardeau County Commissioners approved a resolution of intent to issue industrial development bonds for an expansion at the local Procter & Gamble plant, a project expected to total $300 million.

Though pending other government approvals, the project, financed via Chapter 100 bonds, would produce up to 200 construction jobs and 35 full-time positions. The company looks to spend $250 million on new equipment as well as $50 million on a new building.

Procter & Gamble is an important company for our local economy, and the additional jobs created through this expansion are especially welcome during these uncertain economic times.

Going through the Chapter 100 option is not new to the local P&G plant. Nearly $1 billion in Chapter 100 bonds have been issued for the local plant since 1998. For the business this financial arrangement provides a level of certainty, and locally the county benefits from the economic activity and jobs generated. P&G's presence has been great for our area.

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On a different issue, former Cape Girardeau Procter & Gamble plant manager Rick McLeod will be in town today. He will be speaking at 7:30 a.m. at the United Way of Southeast Missouri's CEO Breakfast at Drury Lodge. McLeod was a transformative leader for the local plant and was active in our community during his tenure here. We're happy to welcome him back to Cape Girardeau this morning.