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Commission greenlights $25 million IRB package for US Engineering expansion in Venture Park
Summary
The Lawrence City Commission voted 4–0 Oct. 14 to adopt Resolution No. 7636, declaring the city’s intent to issue up to $25 million in industrial revenue bonds to support construction of an approximately 110,000‑square‑foot US Engineering Metal Works plant in Venture Park.
The Lawrence City Commission voted 4–0 on Oct. 14 to adopt Resolution No. 7636, signaling the city’s intent to issue up to $25,000,000 in industrial revenue bonds to support construction of an approximately 110,000‑square‑foot manufacturing plant for US Engineering Metal Works in Lawrence Venture Park.
Supporters including company leaders and local economic development groups told commissioners the project will create jobs and expand an existing local operation. Tyler Knopberg, chairman and CEO of US Engineering Company Holdings, described the firm’s regional footprint and said the expansion would add outdoor storage and a new phase of indoor manufacturing; Brandon Wyckoff, president of US Engineering Company Holdings, said the addition would create about 30 jobs in year one with additional growth thereafter. Steve Kelly, speaking for the Douglas County EDC and Lawrence Chamber, urged commission approval, noting the company had exceeded earlier commitments to the community.
In the public hearing, one resident, Jeffrey Hepler, urged the applicants to avoid creating additional impervious surface and to consider stormwater mitigation; the company and staff acknowledged the concern and said site and stormwater standards will be applied in permitting.
The economic package described in the resolution would provide a 10‑year, 70% property tax abatement and a sales‑tax exemption for construction costs tied to the project. The resolution documents the city’s intent to issue IRBs; final bond issuance and associated agreements would follow additional administrative approvals and any required state filings.
Commissioners cited the project as an outcome of the city’s economic development catalyst program and noted the company has an existing Lawrence presence. The motion to approve the resolution carried unanimously.
The city’s action at this stage is an intent determination. If the developer proceeds, the city will return with final bond documents and a formal authorizing ordinance or resolution for commission consideration.
