After delays raising funds, Liberation Bioindustries now steadily progresses toward completing its precision fermentation biomanufacturing facility in Richmond’s Midwest Industrial Park.
Richmond Common Council members Doug Goss and Jane Bumbalough said they came away impressed after touring the facility as part of council’s tax abatement committee. During its April 20 meeting, council passed two ordinances that extended Liberation Bioindustries’ window to complete construction and still receive tax abatements council approved during 2024.
The extensions give Liberation until Jan. 16, 2028, for personal property and June 3, 2028, for real property. Liberation received a four-year tax abatement on a $38 million investment in personal property and an eight-year abatement on a $44 million investment in real property. The investments are expected to create 45 jobs.
Goss said Liberation, which will produce bio-based proteins it will provide to other companies, is currently paying property taxes until project completion. The company was originally scheduled to begin operations during 2025.
Bus benches
Richmond will install six new benches at the Rose View Transit depot at the downtown parking garage.
Richmond Area Railroad Society will donate the benches, estimated at a $2,250 value, and in exchange, will purchase for $1 the historic railroad bench currently at the depot. Chris Becker of Rose View told council members the railroad group has found a woodworker who will restore the historic bench.
Council approved an ordinance permitting acceptance of the benches.
RPD raises
Council referred to its finance committee an ordinance amending the 2026 budget to reflect the 3% pay raises Richmond Police Department officers’ union negotiated for its members this year.
A version of this article appeared in the April 29 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.