The Wisconsin Rapids Common Council will consider a $5.3 million investment tonight for a local manufacturer that wants to create about 600 jobs.

Energy Composites Corp. is asking the city to contribute $1.5 million in infrastructure costs to the project, according to a development agreement between the two entities. Wisconsin Rapids also would provide as much as $3.8 million in job creation credits that would give the company $6,000 for each full-time position it created on or before Dec. 31, 2012.

To download and view a copy of the development agreement, click here.

The Wisconsin Rapids-based company announced plans March 31 to build a 350,000-square-foot plant in the Rapids East Commerce Center. The facility would construct 44- to 50-meter-long industrial wind mill blades, Energy Composites President Jamie Mancl said.

Since that time, the project expanded in scope, causing company officials to adjust the plan to include more railroad access to better accommodate customers, Chief Executive Officer Sam Fairchild said. It also increased the projected number of new jobs by about 200 from the originally projected 400.

Council members also are slated to consider a proposal to implement new 12-hour shifts for the city’s Police Department and award a bid for overhead flashing lights to increase pedestrian safety at the West Grand Avenue and Tenth Avenue intersection.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 444 W. Grand Ave. For complete coverage, see Wednesday’s Daily Tribune.