CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – President Donald Trump announced America’s largest-ever steel plant will be built in Lee County in southeast Iowa. Mining company Mesabi Metallics and Iowa leaders gathered for the announcement at the Oval Office Monday afternoon. The White House says the announcement is part of Trump’s efforts to revitalize the U.S. steel industry. The $15 billion mega steel plant will produce an estimated 10 million tons of steel each year once it’s fully online by 2030, with capacity to support the U.S. defense sector. In addition to the $15 billion plant, $3 billion will be dedicated toward the completion of an iron ore mine in Minnesota. Mesabi Metallics says the plant will create 5,000 to 6,000 construction jobs, and 1,750 permanent Iowa jobs. The plant will use iron ore from the Mesabi Metallics mine in Nashwauk, Minnesota. Mesabi Metallics is owned by India-based Essar Group. The president pointed to the 50% tariffs he has set on foreign steel – saying they are a key to ramping up U.S. manufacturing.
WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) – The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Iowa’s community colleges $10.8 million for a workforce training program. Iowa Systems, Training, and Resources for Opportunity, Navigation, and Growth (Iowa STRONG) aims to create more than 50 Pell-eligible programs in advanced manufacturing, construction and skilled trades, and healthcare by 2030. The program is a partnership with community colleges, the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Workforce Development. Hawkeye Community College will manage the statewide implementation of the program. The college says the project will put students on track for high-demand programs, including HVAC, Pharmacy Technician, CDL training, construction and CNC machining.
INDIANOLA, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa State Patrol is investigating after a 17-year-old was hit and killed by a vehicle in Indianola on Sunday. According to a crash report, a Chevy Trailblazer was traveling east on W 18th Place while the teenager was walking westbound in the roadway. State Patrol says the driver applied the brakes but could not stop before hitting the teen. Indianola Police say despite life-saving efforts, the teen died at the scene. That person’s name has not been released.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A portion of 1st Avenue E will be temporarily closed in early October to accommodate railroad crossing repairs. Beginning Monday, October 5, a portion of the street will be closed for repairs to the 4th Street SE rail corridor. The railroad crossing surface panels will be replaced. The work is expected to last about two weeks. A detour will be in place during the repairs. Trucks will be diverted to 8th Avenue SE.
