Topeka, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly today signed the bipartisan bill known as Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act (APEX). The bipartisan bill creates a new tool in Kansas’ toolbox that allows the state to compete on a national and global scale for large economic development projects.  
“This positions Kansas to potentially land a once-in-a-generation opportunity that could transform our economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said.”This tool is about more than just one project. It makes us an economic powerhouse ready to compete on a national and global scale. That means thousands of new jobs, billions more business dollars injected into the economy, and more opportunities for Kansas families. I need to thank Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Ron Ryckman for their leadership and hard work to fast-track this bill. An opportunity like this was an all-hands-on-deck effort, and they worked with us to get this done.”
This economic development bill could help Kansas land the biggest private sector investment in the state’s history. The current project would bring 4,000 new jobs to Kansas and inject $4 billion in business investment into the Kansas economy.   
“Passage of APEX shows there is strong bipartisan support to put Kansas on the national stage for economic development,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “The APEX bill gives us a realistic shot at winning large economic development projects that will bring huge business investment and job creation to our state. We are excited about our chances with the current prospect that would be transformative for our state and deliver long lasting benefits to Kansas. Thank you to Governor Kelly and the Legislature – and especially Senate President Masterson, House Speaker Ryckman, Chairwoman Erickson and Chairman Tarwater – for this commitment to strengthening our economic development toolkit and making Kansas even more of a force to be reckoned with.”