A major commercial development project that will bring dozens of new jobs and a significant economic boost to Independence is now underway in the West Laurel Industrial Park.

In early December, the city issued an official building permit for the construction of a FedEx Ground package sorting and distribution center.  The $24 million project will include a 192,500 square foot facility and will eventually employ both full and part-time workers. Property clearing and dirt work is in progress, and the project is expected to take approximately 22 months. City Manager Kelly Passauer says this project represents a great economic boost for Independence. They look forward to supporting FedEx in this project and welcome the new facility to the community.