CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners approved a one-year extension to its RCAP grant agreement with Pennsylvania Grain Processing, which has plans to improve its facilities.
During board discussion, Commissioner Joan Robinson-McMillen noted this was the third time the county has awarded an RCAP extension for these monies. PGP, she said, has requested extensions, so it can use $750,000 leftover from the plant’s construction.
However, she pointed out that officials at PGP haven’t initiated any projects at the ethanol plant with the RCAP monies. She cited her support of the ethanol plant, which provides jobs for local residents. But she said PGP officials continue to appeal their taxes, yet ask the county to support them in obtaining government monies.
When asked, Solicitor Kim Kesner indicated that the PGP tax appeal hearing hasn’t been scheduled and it currently remains pending. Robinson-McMillen said although PGP officials have paid their taxes, they continue to challenge their tax assessment.
Commissioner Mark B. McCracken said he believed PGP has active project plans at the ethanol plant site. Robinson-McMillen said she felt the county should put PGP officials on notice that this will be the last extension to the RCAP agreement.
“They have to do a project or not,” she said. She pointed out that the original RCAP agreement started in 2007. “We signed this because they have been employing folks and they are certainly looking to make improvements to the facility.
“But I also think we need to put them on notice that this is the end. They need to find a project and do it.”
Commissioner John A. Sobel, chairman, said Robinson-McMillen made a valid point, and they should sign the RCAP agreement with a “very strong written message.” He said they need to make it clear to PGP officials that there will not be another extension unless there’s a “very valid reason” for not completing their project within the timeframe of the RCAP agreement.
Kesner then advised the commissioners against notifying PGP officials of what their future actions will be regarding this matter. He said the three-member board has differing opinions and needs to be making decisions on the present circumstances.
He said the commissioners could certainly declare to PGP officials that this extension should be taken advantage of. But he said they shouldn’t be declaring in advance that they would not take a particular action.
“I can certainly then express my own opinion and feelings,” said Robinson-McMillen. “I think this company has an excellent facility and they know how to produce ethanol and do it efficiently. You see trucks in and out all of the time, so they certainly have increased their business.
“I certainly support their efforts. But I also think that seven years is a long time for an RCAP to be open. They need to begin the process.”
After board discussion, the commissioners voted 3-0 to extend the RCAP agreement from Sept. 30 of this year until the same date next year.