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Casa Grande board backs foreign‑trade subzone for NRS Logistics despite board concerns
Summary
The board approved a letter supporting a foreign‑trade subzone for NRS Logistics, citing a projected $90 million capital investment and about 90 jobs; some members questioned wage levels, safety and what protections exist if hiring projections fall short.
The Casa Grande Union High School District governing board voted Aug. 11 to approve a letter supporting NRS Logistics' request to establish a foreign‑trade subzone on roughly 40 acres — a designation the presenter said would allow qualifying activity on that subzone to be taxed at 5 percent. Superintendent Jeff Lavender recommended the board sign the support letter and outlined the company's projections: $90,000,000 in capital investment, about 90 direct jobs (with an expected average salary around $41,000), and roughly 25–26 indirect jobs; Lavender also cited an estimated $5 million in annual direct and induced local spending and $500,000–$600,000 in additional taxes on products and imports.
Several board members pressed for detail on accountability and economic assumptions. One member asked, "And if those projections don't come to fruition, is there any kind of a backstop for the district?" The board also raised questions about the types of work, safety and the proposed salary levels; a speaker said the position descriptions identified logistics—not heavy manufacturing—but noted transport of chemicals was a concern.
Lavender responded that the $90 million figure represents capital investment already completed for existing buildings and that the employer will conduct market assessments to set pay rates as operations expand. After discussion the board voted to approve the letter; the motion passed with four members voting yes and two members voting no.
The board packet described the foreign‑trade zone process as requiring letters of support from local taxing entities; Lavender said multiple local jurisdictions would be asked for endorsements. The board did not attach conditions to its letter of support in the meeting minutes.
Action recorded: the board approved a motion to sign a letter of support for the foreign‑trade subzone for NRS Logistics. The superintendent supplied projected fiscal and employment impacts but acknowledged those numbers were company projections and subject to market changes.
