February 25, 2009
Gov. Nixon, Kansas City Southern announce 129 jobs to be created through Quality Jobs, other incentive programs
Gov. Nixon, Kansas City Southern announce 129 jobs to be created through Quality Jobs, other incentive programs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A state tax credit incentive program is helping bring 129 new jobs to downtown Kansas City, Gov. Jay Nixon and railway company Kansas City Southern (KCS) announced today. The Governor and KCS officials made the announcement from the company's new Customer Solutions Center and Network Operations Center, which feature state of the market technology to monitor and dispatch rail traffic and serve KCS customers across the nation.
On Jan. 29, the Missouri Department of Economic Development approved KCS for Quality Jobs tax credits to be awarded upon creation of 129 jobs during a three-year period that ends Jan. 29, 2012. The State of Missouri also has provided assistance to create the KCS jobs through the New Jobs Training Program and the Employee Recruitment and Referral Program.
"The creation of these good-paying jobs comes as welcome news during these economically challenging times," Gov. Nixon said. "We need more companies like Kansas City Southern to expand or relocate operations in Missouri and make use of the best workforce you will find anywhere, and my administration will continue to aggressively encourage business investment in our state."
"In tough economic times like these, Kansas City Southern is pleased to be able to bring jobs to the Kansas City area and the State of Missouri," said KCS chairman and chief executive officer Michael R. Haverty. "As Kansas City's hometown railroad since 1887, we are committed to being headquartered in downtown Kansas City, Mo., enhancing economic development and being a good corporate citizen. We are grateful to the State of Missouri for the incentives they provided to help make this possible."
In 2008, KCS invested almost $4 million in its Customer Solutions Center and Network Operations Center project for construction and infrastructure. The Governor toured the facility today, where he met several workers whose jobs are part of the 129 that have been or will be created through the Quality Jobs and other incentives.
The Governor said the KCS expansion was an example of why the Quality Jobs program and other incentives to help businesses grow or move into Missouri should be expanded.
"It is clear that a strong package of state incentives can be a valuable tool to help encourage companies such as KCS to expand their investment in Missouri and draw other businesses to our state in order to move the economy forward," Gov. Nixon said. "To do that, I am committed to expanding the Quality Jobs Program and increasing the resources we offer to businesses looking to expand or relocate. I also am committed to continuing to work with the Missouri Senate to pass a comprehensive jobs bill quickly."