WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley today (Monday), asked the head of Tyson Foods, Inc., to work with community leaders to restore jobs at the now-defunct Tyson meat processing plant in Cherokee. “I’m aware of the desire of city and county officials to see the facility occupied and operating, so that it can continue to serve the economic and employment needs of the area,” Grassley wrote to Donnie Smith, chief executive officer of Tyson Foods, Inc.

“It is my hope that Tyson Foods would work with the owner of the facility and local leaders in Cherokee to ensure that the facility can be occupied and productive again. It seems there would be mutual interest in seeing the facility occupied to restore economic vitality and livelihoods in their community.”

Grassley noted that when Tyson closed its Cherokee plant in 2014, it eliminated 450 jobs. This was a blow to the local economy, as Tyson was one of the largest employers. According to media reports, the company is locked in a lease with the property owner, and community leaders are frustrated with their inability to seek other employers to lease the facility while the building sits vacant.

“I appreciate your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you,” Grassley wrote.