Missouri town looks for economic boost from AR-15 rifle plant

A small Missouri community steeped in Civil War history and small-town charm hopes a gun-making plant can boost its economy after a decade of manufacturing job losses.

CMMG is seeking a $200,000 forgivable loan from Boonville so it can move its operations from rural Fayette, half an hour to the north. Boonville economic development director Jim Gann says most people in the heavily Republican community support bringing in the plant and its 52 high-paying jobs.

Opponents say having a factory that makes AR-15 semi-automatic rifles goes against the town’s long-cultivated tourism image. City Councilwoman Susan Meadows says she’s opposed morally because she doesn’t think the weapons should be available to the public.

Gann says CMMG would have an annual economic impact on the community of nearly $5 million.

This story was originally published July 17, 2016 at 1:17 PM with the headline "Missouri town looks for economic boost from AR-15 rifle plant."