$22 million wind turbine plant planned for Cedar Rapids

[Blue Gardener]

A California company plans to build a $22 million plant in Cedar Rapids to manufacture a new model of wind turbines that will make wind energy more cost-effective and competitive with power generated from fossil fuels, officials say.

California-based Clipper Windpower Inc. seeks about $3.2 million in state and local assistance for the project, which would create 141 jobs that pay an average starting wage of $18.93 an hour, economic development leaders announced today. By the third year, pay would increase to average of $20 an hour, officials said.

The Iowa Department of Economic Development Board will be asked Thursday to approve about $2.8 million in loans and forgivable loans for the project. The city of Cedar Rapids will consider providing about $350,000 in financial assistance to the project.

http://www.dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050420/NEWS/50420008/1001

Some good employment news for a change.

[pstans]

1. Some good employment news for a change?

Or some good tax give aways. This is another example of corporate welfare going on in this state.

At least it is going to a good use. Promoting alternative energy is a great step. With the mixture of ethanol, biodiesal and now wind turbines Iowa can be a leader in alternative energy.

[Blue Gardener]

2. I think corporate welfare goes on in every state

At least these are the kind of jobs we want here.

[rurallib]

3. These giveaways are an interesting subject

Literally everyone does it. If you don't play this game you really hamper your state in bringing in industry. A state like Iowa already has many strikes against it ( weather, older non-diverse population). I wish there were an alternative but once states and cities started ponying up the goodies, if you didn't join in you were screwed.

[rurallib]

4. Anyone have details on how to apply for a job there?

My son-in-law lives in CR and needs a job. Thanks for any help.

[IA_Seth]

5. I found this on their website....

According to their site you can email your resume here:

[email protected]

The site has a Cedar Rapids-TBA for job listings.

I heard that the Gazette ran an article on Friday or Saturday on how/where to apply but I didn't catch it.

If I hear more I will let you know!

[Blue Gardener]

6. Here's the website link

http://www.clipperwind.com/employment.htm

[IA_Seth]

7. Cedar Rapids Workforce Center

I called down to the Workforce Development Center in CR (319-365-9474) and they said they have the applications in the office from 8:00am-3:30pm or something like that....

The lady said they didn't know what the pay or what the positions were for at this point.