Last night at a special Evansville Planning Commission meeting, representatives of Landmark and their potential partners, presented their vision of a possible biodiesel production facility. Also possible after that was completed was a soy crushing facility.
The amount of investment was impressive. The biodiesel plant could run 45 million. The crushing plant could cost 70 million.
Jobs? About 100 total.
The purpose of the meeting was to get an indication of whether this was something that Evansville wanted.
In short. Yes. This has been the dream of Smart Growth. This has been the dream that taxpayers have hoped for to offset the infrastructure costs of schools that residential development brings.
However---Evansville is just one of several possible sites. Our location is perfect however. And the rail line is in. And Landmark is in the other areas of business that make this a logical progression.
There are the usual regulatory hurdles that such a project faces. And there may have to be increased fire protection and infracture costs. However---this could be a big plus for the Evansville Community.
Another presentation will be made next Tuesday at the Evansville Economic Development meeting. Plan on attending.
Stay tuned to The Evansville Observer. If it is not on The Observer----it probably did not happen.
This is Huuuuge for Evansville and Rock County. The rail infrastructure gives us an edge. Let's hope that we can get some highway support to help us move products out.
ReplyDeleteIf Evansville isn't able to land this bio-plant, it will be a true indication of the cities lobbying abilities. This is about as slam dunk as a sand factory in the Sahara. I'm optimistic that the city can make this happen. I hope Mr. Connor's can handle glad handing the Exec's and investors of Landmark. Let's get this done on the putting green.
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