Missouri Governor Blunt Announces New Biofuels Company Headed to St. Joseph

February 11, 2008 -- JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Governor Matt Blunt today announced that ICM, Inc., a leading company in constructing and operating ethanol plants across the U.S., has identified St. Joseph as the location to build a new biofuels plant. The proposed plant will use diverse feedstocks, including agricultural residue of corn fiber, corn stover, switchgrass and sorghum, to manufacture biofuels.

“Renewable fuels production across Missouri continues to be an emerging driver for our state’s economy and is a true success story for our environment and Missouri farm families. Increasing the availability of renewable fuels will help protect our environment and reduce our nation’s dependency on foreign oil,” Gov. Blunt said. “I will continue to support biofuels production through our E-10 standard and my recommendation of a B-5 standard in Missouri.”

ICM, Inc. is one of four companies across the U.S. that will share up to $114 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for small-scale projects advancing long-term strategies to increase the nation’s energy and economic and national security. These companies continue to reduce our nation’s reliance on foreign oil through increased efficiency and diversification of clean energy sources.

“Missouri’s renewable fuels continue to grow and this announcement is an increased opportunity for our state’s producers,” said Katie Smith, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. “With the construction of the ICM plant, Missouri will further the process of the cost effective production of ethanol from cellulosic biomass.”

ICM, Inc. will integrate biochemical and thermochemical processing and demonstrate energy recycling within the same facility. This project stands to broaden the company’s focus from corn-based to energy crop-based ethanol production. The estimated project completion is for the year 2010.

Gov. Blunt recently announced the full economic impact of the biofuels industry in Missouri. According to a study by the Missouri Economic Research & Information center, the industry creates approximately 7,000 jobs for Missourians each year. The industry will account for $542 million in new economic activity each year.

The governor has proposed full funding for the biodiesel and ethanol incentive funds to ensure the state’s continued success in the growing renewable fuels industry. Gov. Blunt’s proposed budget also includes $5.1 million for back payments to the ethanol incentive fund.

Gov. Blunt is calling for Missouri’s General Assembly to pass legislation requiring all diesel fuel sold in Missouri to contain five percent biodiesel.

Source: Missouri Governor

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