Lee County is being considered as the site for a $1.3 billion nitrogen fertilizer plant for a business called Iowa Fertilizer Co., The Des Moines Register reported.

The project could create 165 jobs in the Southeast Iowa county that state leaders say is an economically distressed area. The Register reported that the company, which is a subsidiary of Orascom Construction Industries, is seeking an $805,000 loan and an $805,000 forgivable loan from the state.

It also requested $1.4 million in targeted withholding tax credits for job training. The Iowa Economic Development Authority board is expected to consider the project today at its monthly meeting