Tyson Foods had planned to build a $320 million poultry complex in eastern Kansas on 300 acres south of Tonganoxie. However the Leavenworth County Commissioners vote 2-1 to rescind a “resolution of intent” to back the project with $500 million in industrial revenue bonds. Josh Roe, deputy secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, said 32 communities had expressed an interest or asked for information. Tyson Foods has not commented on what other communities it was considering.
After the vote, Doug Ramsey, who serves as group president of poultry, announced the company was still interested in Leavenworth County, but would “prioritize the other locations in Kansas and other states that have expressed support.” Worth Sparkman, spokesman for Tyson, said the same Thursday.
That County Commissioners vote may not be the end of Tyson in Tonganoxie. After casting his vote against Tyson, Leavenworth County Commissioner Clyde Graeber stepped down because of health problems, leaving a swing vote seat open if Tyson decides to try again.
