The list of those products includes veterinary medicines, pet food, wild bird feed, ethanol, fertilizer, metal cans and wallboard.

The manufacturing sector makes up 39 percent of the local economy, according to the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

But the manufacturing sector is not so robust in other parts of the country.

With shortages of some products caused by supply chain issues frustrating consumers, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra is co-sponsoring a measure intended to eventually get more things made here in the United States.

-Messenger file photo
The Valero Renewables plant west of Fort Dodge is shown.

The Republican from Hull, who represents Webster County and all of its surrounding counties, has joined U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Illinois, in introducing the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act.

The bill directs the Department of Commerce to study the feasibility of making more goods in the United States. The measure places special emphasis on making items related to agriculture, energy and food.

“With supply chain issues disrupting our economy, it is essential that we explore additional ways to produce goods right here in the United States, especially when it comes to goods that support critical infrastructure sectors,” Feenstra said in a written statement.

Feenstra said the bill will help to fix supply chain issues, create jobs and “produce critical goods we can rely on.”

The bill would require the Department of Commerce to figure out what products related to critical infrastructure are in high demand, which of those products have to be imported and which ones can potentially be made in the United States.

Two other Iowa Republican representatives, Ashley Hinson and Marianette Miller-Meeks, have signed on as supporters of the bill.

The measure awaits action by committees in the House of Representatives.

Here are some of the manufacturers located in Webster County

AML Riverside LLC — veterinary medicines

Cargill — dextrose, ethanol, cattle feed, corn meal gluten corn germ

CJ Bio America — amino acids for livestock feed, liquid soil amendment

C & S Products Co Inc. — wild bird feed

Elanco — veterinary medicines

Goergia-Pacific — gypsum products

Koch Fertilizer — Ammonia fertilizer

National Gypsum — gypsum products

Nestle Purina PetCare — cat and dog food

Silgan Containers Manufacturing Inc. — metal cans

United States Gypsum — gypsum products

Valero Renewables — ethanol