WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today released the following statement about the announcement by Kansas Governor Sam Brownback that Tyson Foods, Inc. would open a new poultry plant, hatchery and feed mill in Tonganoxie, Kan.:

“Congratulations to Governor Brownback and Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey on their efforts in bringing the new Tyson Foods poultry complex to Kansas. The plant and its 1,600 jobs are certainly welcome in our state and represent years of teamwork to grow the Kansas economy.

“I am proud to have played a role in this growth by working with the City of Tonganoxie and the Kansas Turnpike Authority back in 2006 to improve transportation in the area near the new plant. Looking ahead, we knew this interchange would bring economic opportunities like Tyson and others. I was able to secure a $1 million federal investment in the interchange. Finally, I was glad to speak with Tyson’s CEO to assure him there was no place like home….in Kansas.

“The benefits of this plant are beyond the initial construction jobs and the employment offered in the plant. Tyson Foods will contract with area farmers and poultry producers to raise the chickens.”

Senator Roberts is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.