Connie Ova 2014Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corportation (JSDC)CEO Connie Ova says the CHS decision not to build the proposed fertilizer plant at Spiritwood, is “sad and unfortunate,” but gives the area a chance to “catch up ” concerning the housing shortage and the need for more employees by businesses.

JSDC released a statement on Wednesday, on the CHS decision, from CEO Connie Ova, which stated:

“CHS contacted the Jamestown/Stutsman County Development Corporation (JSDC) this morning and expressed regrets that they will not move forward with the Spiritwood Fertilizer Project. They also conveyed thanks for all the assistance from JSDC/City/County; however, the CHS board of directors decided last night that the return on investment was not substantial enough to move forward with the Spiritwood Project. Apparently, the tremendous cost of the project along with the fact that it was a 45 month build out, forced them to make the tough decision to terminate the project. The key thing for us, I think, is that they are not building the fertilizer plant elsewhere, they are investing in a company that already manufactures fertilizer. This will enable CHS to provide fertilizer to their customers in 2016 and not have to wait until 2020 when the Spiritwood Project would be online.

No it is not good news, but here is the good news. They made a decision based on return on investment and what’s best for their customer. Trust me, I am not at all thrilled about this decision. The JSDC board of directors and staff have been working for 3 years, since the announcement in September of 2012, with CHS and their associates to try to make this an easy decision to be here.

We still have a great manufacturing base, agricultural base, and lots of good projects happening and in the works. This is NOT a game stopper. It is the chance for the Jamestown and Stutsman County community to attempt to “catch up” with the shortages of workforce, housing, childcare, and infrastructure. Take a breath and move onto the next opportunity and prepare for growth!!

We are still very much in the game.”

Jamestown Mayor Katie Andersen said ther announcement was disappointing, and hopefully another business will be attracted to the area.

Stutsman County also expended efforts to try to bring CHS to the area.

Stutsman County Commission Chairman Mark Klose said, working with CHS was, “complicated and complex and required a lot of time and negotiations.”

The negotiations between CHS and Stutsman County resulted in a reduced property tax burden to CHS for the first 20 years of plant operation, if the plant had been built.

Klose and Ova said no funds were paid to CHS by the county or JSDC as an incentive to bring the company to Spiritwood.

Klose pointed out that there was a commitment for the future for property tax relief if it were built but no out-of-pocket money, just staff time.”