ROCK PORT, Mo. - The Atchison County Commission voted unanimously Thursday to approve a $175,000 tax increment financing proposal for a new, 10,000-square-foot grocery store in Rock Port.

A group of developers has expressed interest in building the new store at the intersection of U.S. Highway 136 and Missouri Highway 111. The group presented its request for the help to Rock Port's tax increment finance board June 4. The board approved a recommendation for the project that was forwarded to the commission.

An official with Affiliated Foods, which supplies Rock Port Market - the city's lone grocer - said projections show that the area can support two stores. Opponents of the new business told the TIF board that the estimates, which are 2½ times the current grocery sales, are inaccurate.

A car dealership, farm equipment company, clothing store or grain company would have been better businesses to pursue with the plan, the opponents added. Any of those enterprises would have filled a need while producing financial growth and community improvements, they said.

Presiding Commissioner Marlin Logan said the vote followed a lengthy discussion. The commissioners signed an ordinance for the agreement after the vote, he added.