A $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steelmaking complex would bring thousands of jobs and one of the largest industrial investments in Iowa history to Lee County — but the project's scale also means the region would have to prepare for significant growth.
Emily Benjamin, CEO and President of the Lee County Economic Development Group, said the organization has worked closely with Mesabi Metallics.
She said LCEDG views Monday’s announcement that the company would build the facility in Lee County as a major milestone for Iowa.
In a statement provided to TSPR, Benjamin said it "would be one of the most significant industrial investments our state has ever seen."
The company and Republican lawmakers have said the project would generate more than 6,000 construction jobs and 1,750 permanent positions, with the plant starting production by 2030.
Benjamin said projects of this scale not only bring opportunity but also raise questions about workforce, infrastructure, housing, and community services.
“We take both seriously,” Benjamin said. “Our job is to help make sure growth like this benefits the people who live and work here, and we'll keep the public informed as there is more to share.”
Benjamin did not provide additional details about the project’s proposed location in Lee County.
“We've had a great working relationship with the Mesabi team,” Benjamin said. “Out of respect for a company we hope to welcome as a long-term corporate citizen and partner in our region, we're not sharing more on location or project specifics than their team has shared at this time.”
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has convened a special legislative session on Friday morning to consider amendments to the state's Major Economic Growth Attraction program.
The state has executed a memorandum of understanding with Mesabi Metallics outlining the terms of the partnership, according to a press release from the governor's office.
The size of the investment will require amendments to the MEGA program, according to the release.
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