Building up ethanol

Ethanol is not yet king in Malta Bend, a small central Missouri community, but a year and a half after Saline County's ethanol plant opened farmers and non-farmers have only good things to say about the addition to their economy.

With all gasoline sold in Missouri required to contain 10 percent ethanol by 2008, the production of ethanol would seem to have a bright future, especially in agricultural counties.

About one-fourth of the crop acreage in the Saline County produces corn, the primary ingredient in ethanol. The plant is owned by 726 corn-growers in 45 Missouri counties.

Southeast Missourian reporter Scott Moyers went to Malta Bend to find out how the plant fits into the local economy. The question is important because three ethanol plants are being planned in Southeast Missouri.

He found the plant is doing so well that a $50 million expansion to double production is being planned.

The plant currently employs 35 people. Nobody in town complained about foul odors from the plant. They compared the emissions to the smell of baking bread.

Attracting the plant did come at a price. The Saline County Commission granted a tax abatement that means the plant won't pay county taxes for 30 years. One county commissioner voted against that agreement, thinking it unfair to county taxpayers.

The state also granted tax credits.

Townspeople like Lee Roe looked at the bigger picture: "Use our corn to make money for our farmers or send money overseas for foreign oil," he said. "What do you think the best option is?"