Senator Marshall Announces USDA Rural Development Grant to Independence

Pittsburg, Kansas – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. is pleased to announce a $50,000 USDA Rural Development grant to the City of Independence to help the community capitalize on new industry investments and prepare for the region’s future growth.  

“The recent announcement of both a soybean crush facility and sustainable aviation fuel refinery in northern Montgomery County will present unprecedented growth opportunities for the City of Independence and surrounding communities,” said Senator Marshall. “It’s important we provide our communities the resources and infrastructure necessary to facilitate this investment and the long-term economic benefits it will bring to the area.”

The Independence Chamber of Commerce will administer this grant, focusing on the growth and long-term success of the community’s small businesses.

Background:

• In October 2021, Bartlett announced the construction of a new $400 million soybean crush facility capable of handling approximately 38.5 million bushels of soybean annually.
• In December 2023, Azure Sustainable Fuels announced the construction of a new $900 million refinery to produce renewable aviation fuel.
• To meet both facilities’ shipping needs, a new 438-car capacity multi-unit train facility will also be located at the project site. 
• Construction of both facilities will bring more than 1,500 new jobs to the region. Once completed, an additional 200 new jobs are anticipated to be created.