Lee County in negotiations to allow mystery company to expand locally

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- The State of Florida and Lee County are poised to offer $210,000 to allow a mystery company to expand locally.

It promises to create 42 manufacturing jobs, if it takes the local and state offers.

This incentive deal came from the state, and is shielded by confidentiality laws. It’s called  “Project Rafale.”

Lee County leaders say they believe they have guidelines in place, to prevent a company from taking the money, and running.

This mystery company does some manufacturing in Lee County, and would like to expand, either here, or in other locations around the world.

“This is projected to bring in 42 jobs in the manufacturing sector which would really provide more opportunities for families who want to stay here,” said Commissioner Brian Hamman.

Since the likely loss of millions of dollars to VR Laboratories, Lee County says it has revamped the rules for economic incentive grants.

Now, the county says it must see the promised jobs first, then the company get the public money as reimbursement.

“The days of upfront money to companies to move here are over. No company will get any money from Lee County or your taxpayer dollars until they’ve done what they said they were going to do,” said Hamman.

Manufacturing jobs sound good for an area looking to diversify the economy. Still, some taxpayers feel a little uneasy about another mystery project.

Lee commissioners are supposed to vote on this next Tuesday. If it’s approved, and if the company chooses Lee County for expansion, we would then learn the name of the firm.