Indiana Gov. Mike Pence says the state will reopen discussions on state economic incentives for a planned fertilizer plant in Posey County.
Pence withdrew offers of state assistance for the project in 2013, citing security concerns. The Pakistani company, Fatima Group, is a lead investor in the planned Midwest Fertilizer plant.
Pence halted the offer of incentives after a Pentagon official complained Fatima Group’s product – manufactured in Pakistan – was making its way into improvised explosive devices in the Middle East.
But Pence says in a news release that the U.S. Defense Department has confirmed that an “experimental formula” is being developed by Fatima Group that is “more inert” and less useful to extremists and terrorists.
The Evansville Courier and Press reports that Pence remains hopeful the state will be able to renew its support. The $2.4 billion project will create 2,500 construction jobs and 200 high-wage jobs once the plant is running.