Ethanol booming in Scott Co.

A third ethanol plant is rumored to be interested in a Scott County location, but so far county officials are reluctant to release any details.

Talk has circulated among public officials at the county and municipal level concerning a proposed third ethanol firm looking to set up a production plant within Scott County. Scott County developer Joel Evans said there's "nothing solid yet." Evans said he can't name the company or talk about possible locations for a plant.

Scott County has become a prime destination for ethanol plant developers. Two other plants -- one in Sikeston, Mo., to be built by local outfit Bootheel Agri-Energy LLC and a joint venture between Kansas-based Ethanex Energy and local company SEMO Milling LLC at the SEMO Port -- are either in the fund-raising or design stages.

Scott County Presiding Commissioner Jamie Burger said he thinks the interest has to do with the county's access to rail, barge and highway transportation as well as Scott County's placement in Southeast Missouri's farming region. The SEMO Port plant may be the earliest to start production -- possibly late next year -- but Burger says the economic benefits will start in the construction phase. Those benefits, Burger said, will only increase as plants come online and make large contributions to the county's economy.

"Any time we have any type of plant come into Scott County, there's always something that will follow it," Burger said. Having local investors, like the two already confirmed plants have, is an added bonus that keeps money in the county, Burger said.

The initial investment alone is an economic boom, said Ed Dust, director of economic development for Sikeston.

"Having anybody that will invest $175 million to $200 million in the community is a big investment, and a big boost to your community," Dust said of the proposed Sikeston plant, which will be in the technology park on the city's northern end. Dust also cites the benefit to local farmers who will provide the corn for the plant.

Scott City Mayor Tim Porch said he's knowledgeable about the proposed third Scott County plant but can't discuss any details. Porch did express excitement about the prospect. His city already stands to gain jobs and indirect economic benefits from the proposed plant at the nearby SEMO Port.

"I've got to believe it will help us out for a long time to come," Porch said.

One local company already looks to benefit from the plant at SEMO Port. Ethanex has contracted with Consolidated Grain and Barge Co. to be the plant's exclusive grain provider.

Burger said the ethanol push into Scott County doesn't come without controversy. Some people living near proposed plant sites have expressed concerns about the plants' environmental impact, he said.

"Those are questions we're trying to get answered," Burger said.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182