The small Polk County city of Frostproof could be getting a huge economic shot in the arm thanks to steel manufacturer Nucor.

  • Company considering a $200 million plant just south of Frostproof
  • Plant would employ up to 250 people
  • No date specified for when decision will be made

The manufacturer may locate a $200 million plant just south of the city. It would employ up to 250 people with high paying jobs.

Nucor is considering locations in several states for the plant. The company would be granted a number of economic incentives by Polk County should they select the Frostproof location.

“It would be a huge deal for Frostproof," said mayor Rodney Cannon.

Even though the plant would be located outside the city limits, Cannon hopes that many local residents would wind up with jobs if the Polk site is picked.

“We would see commercial businesses increase. A lot of the unemployment, that rate would drop," he said.

In a statement, Nucor said that transportation systems would a major factor in where to locate the plant. The Polk site is along Highway 27 and very close to a rail line.

“The site they are looking at is far enough out of town, so traffic wouldn’t be a problem. It’s really an ideal position to choose us," said Cannon.

Nucor hasn't said when it will pick the location for the plant, but Cannon hopes the decision will come within the next several weeks.