Centerville Looks at Growing an Energy Economy

Biodiesel Plant Orientation Meeting to Answer Common Start-Up Questions

Appanoose County can now be considered as one of the cutting edge communities looking into “green” technologies, including biodiesel manufacturing, as a tool to boost the economy while taking advantage of renewable energy trends. A public meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 6 PM at the Manhattan Restaurant in Centerville will outline the process identified by local and state development professionals for start-up of a biodiesel plant at the Centerville Industrial Park.

The public meeting is co-sponsored by Appanoose Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) and Chariton Valley Planning and Development (CVP&D). Pat Paustian, Executive Director of the Iowa Agriculture Innovation Center, and staff will provide a general overview of biodiesel production, alternative fuel marketing, and the process for establishing biofuel corporations in Iowa.

According to Tracy Daugherty Miller, Executive Director of CVP&D, it is the intention of the meeting to introduce the public to basic information about biodiesel and to generate discussion about creating a local corporate board of investors to advance the construction of a biodiesel plant in Centerville.

“Presently a number of local investors have stepped forward to express interest in launching a biodiesel plant in the community,” explains Daugherty Miller. “Following the informational meeting on September 12th it is anticipated that additional meetings will be held with core investors to gauge the feasibility of proceeding with construction of a plant and, if feasible, set timelines.”

Iowa Agriculture Innovation Center staff will address the water and utility resources needed to support biodiesel; transportation needs and advantages offered by the Appanoose County Community Railroad; known environmental impact from biodiesel facilities; and number of jobs needed to support a biodiesel facility and median wage.

Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable/soybean oils, animal fats, and even recycled restaurant greases. The alternative fuel is safe, biodegradable, free of aromatics, and is known to reduce serious air pollutants such as particulates, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and air toxics.

The Iowa Agriculture Innovation Center is an Iowa 501.c3 non-profit corporation whose purpose is to provide assistance to Iowa's agricultural producers in the production, processing, development and marketing of value-added agricultural commodities and products. The center is governed by a board of directors representing the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Farmers Union, Iowa Pork Producers Association, and Iowa Soybean Association.