And Nucor would be required to pay only a fraction of the state income taxes due on profits generated by the plant for up to 20 years. Hyundai received no special income-tax breaks. In fact, the breaks being offered to Nucor are by far the most generous in Oregon history, when measured in relation to the number of jobs created. The magnitude of the Nucor abatement has sparked intense debate. The breaks are permitted under a bill the Legislature passed last month and Gov. Kitzhaber signed into law this week.
Supporters concede the breaks are unprecedented.
But they argue that they're vital to luring high-paying jobs to Oregon's economically ailing rural communities. And Nucor supporters figure other manufacturers would follow the steel maker to Coos Bay. A pipe manufacturing company with no current interest in Coos Bay has indicated it would move there if Nucor builds the mill, economic development officials said. The firm, which officials declined to identify, would hire as many as 100 workers. Others are sharply critical.