Iowa Interstate and Jasper County in Iowa Team Up to Develop Newton Rail Park
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
NEWTON, Ia. –– The Iowa Interstate Railroad has joined Jasper County in Iowa to purchase land for development of Newton Rail Park.
A joint public-private development has been launched by the Iowa Interstate Railroad and Jasper County in Iowa in the town of Newton. The railroad and the county purchased 294 acres of farmland just northwest of the City of Newton, which has expanded existing Iowa Interstate property which will be called the Newton Rail Park, and total 367 developable acres.
Brandon Talsma, Chairman of the Jasper County Board of Supervisors, said “Jasper County is thrilled to announce its partnership with Iowa Interstate Railroad for the development of a new industrial rail park located just north of Newton. This group of public and private partners, comprising the Iowa Interstate Railroad and Jasper County, has created a unique opportunity for economic development, benefiting both Jasper County and Central Iowa.”
Iowa Interstate’s Newton Rail Terminal is located within the park, along with its $9 million Renewable Energy Logistics Center, which is a truck-to-rail transload facility serving wind energy companies and other industries.
The Newton Rail Park is positioned in the heart of Iowa’s agriculture ecosystem, manufacturing base, green energy economy, and the greater Des Moines workforce. Other partnerships with the Newton Rail Park are the Jasper County Economic Development Corporation, the Newton Development Corporation, the City of Newton, Alliant Energy, ITC Midwest, and Black Hills Energy.
Joe Parsons, President and CEO of Iowa Interstate Railroad, said “At Iowa Interstate Railroad, we see the Newton Rail Park as more than just a strategic site, it’s a shared investment in the future of this region. This public-private partnership reflects a common vision: to bring high-quality jobs, infrastructure, and new opportunities to central Iowa. As we continue growing our rail network, we’re equally committed to supporting Newton’s long-term success.”
