JANESVILLE – About one year ago Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell, state Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 Houtzdale, and representatives from BioEnergy International LLC announced that a an ethanol plant would be constructed in Clearfield County.
At this year’s Bud George Day Picnic, Corinne Young, director of public and government affairs for BioEnergy, Bud, his wife Edna and Rendell formally announced that the Clearfield Technology Park is the official site for BioEnergy’s two ethanol plants.
“Through great efforts something great will be going to start happening in Clearfield County,” said Bud.
“The new technology of alternative and renewable fuels will be to the economy of the country and states and regions that latch onto it what information technology and biotechnology have been for the last 20 years,” said Rendell.
“When was the last time there was a $270 million investment in Clearfield County,” asked Rendell, referencing the project. “The answer’s never.”
The plans for the plant call for the construction of a 108-million-gallon-per-year ethanol production facility. The project will consist of both a corn-ethanol facility and a cellulosic pilot plant, one of the first in the nation.
“Yes, we finally do have a site in Clearfield County,” stated Young to a crowd of young and old. “I’m here to today to launch the Independence Project, the integrated national project to end energy dependence with cellulosic ethanol.
“Together, with independence, we are launching a whole new bio-refinery revolution.”
Young stated that the project still has a few more hurdles to overcome, but that a groundbreaking could be expected in the next few months.
Young thanked Bud, the Clearfield County Commissioners and Rendell for their leadership. She also thanked another local figure for his help as well.
“Rob Swales, thank you so much,” said Young to the executive director of the Clearfield County Economic Development Corporation. The CCEDC is one of the building’s located in the Tech Park that BioEnergy will have to purchase to before construction.
Swales commented after the announcement that he was excited about the project. He stated that, although it is early the CCEDC will look to build a new building in the Alliance Park.
“It’s very exciting,” said Clearfield County Commissioner Mark McCracken. “The next big thing will be turning some dirt at the Tech Park.”
At their meeting Thursday night Clearfield Borough Council approved the plans for the facility.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” added Young. “We’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll have a groundbreaking in October.”