Proposed processing plant in Mason City includes buffer zone

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — Prestage Foods of Iowa officials say its proposed $240 million pork processing plant in southwest Mason City will include a buffer zone and payments to the local school district.

The Globe Gazette (http://bit.ly/1XL6Pli ) reports that the plans announced Wednesday include a 2.5-mile buffer zone around Mason City, Clear Lake and the lake itself in which Prestage won't build or operate any hog confinements or buy animals from a facility in the area.

A tentative agreement also outlines the project's economic development grants and employment requirements.