By JUSTIN SCHNEIDER, Herald Bulletin
justin.schneider@heraldbulletin
It could have been the $100 million-plus investment, the creation of 40 jobs or the benefit to local farmers.
In the end, the renewability of ethanol won over Madison County Commissioner Paul Wilson.
"It's a renewable fuel that makes us less dependent on foreign oil," said Wilson, D-South District. "Even if it's a wash with what we get and what we put in, if we reduce our dependence on foreign oil, it's worth it."
On Tuesday, the Madison County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a recommendation by the Madison County Planning Commission to rezone 235 acres near Alexandria from agricultural to general industrial for a proposed ethanol production plant.
The facility, Ultimate Ethanol, LLC, awaits approval of its site plan by the Madison County Drainage Board, and for its building and air quality permits from the state.
If all goes well, ground will be broken in December and cement poured in January and February. Sewer and water infrastructure will be installed in the spring and production could begin in early 2008.
Brian Minish, vice president of Ultimate Ethanol, said the investment goes beyond 60 million gallons of ethanol production capacity.
"We will buy 21 million bushels of corn annually from local producers. We will produce 180,000 tons of dry distillers grain to be marketed nationally and locally," Minish said. "As grain prices go up, farmers will become more profitable and that leads to increased land value."
On Oct. 4, Broin Companies announced its intention to build the $105 million plant at the corner of County Road 1300 North and County Road 100 East in rural Monroe Township. The plan encountered opposition from nearby residents who do not wish to see their rural lifestyle change.
Ron Parker, who lives on County Road 1300 North across from the proposed plant, has been the most vocal opponent.
"When this process started, I took Brian (Minish) as my enemy, but he's not my enemy. We went up to Michigan and I had my day in the plant. It looks like my biggest enemy is you." Parker said, referring to the board.
"I work out of my home, I live there. Put yourself in my shoes."
Ron Fowler, Parker's attorney, restated his claim that the rezoning flies in the face of Madison County's current zoning ordinance.
Wilson refuted those claims, saying ethanol production is the kind of agricultural business the ordinance calls for and will be a boon to the county.
"I appreciate the fact that Broin is willing to come to this county and make a $100 million investment," Wilson said. "A reference was made to the payroll and this is not just 40-some jobs, it's $100 million (assessed valuation) in annual tax levy to this county."
A letter of intent for Ultimate Ethanol to receive municipal utility services from the city of Alexandria was also entered into the record Tuesday. Company officials had been in negotiations with three utility providers, but appear to have reached an agreement in principle with Alexandria.
The city will provide Ultimate Ethanol with sanitary sewer, storm sewer and treated and untreated water.
"With the additional capacity we gain, we will be able to serve 7,200 additional homes or 14,000 additional residents," said Jeremy VanErman, Alexandria planning and building commissioner. "That probably won't happen. We can accommodate our potential growth for the next 50 years."
VanErman explicitly stated that the extension of municipal utility will not lead to annexation.
"We replace job losses one project at a time and one job at a time," said Mary Starkey of the Corporation for Economic Development. "This will employ 40 families, bring over $100 million in investment and improve corn prices."
But not everyone was convinced.
Julie Davidson of Elwood suggested a conflict of interest as Commissioner John Richwine, R-North District, farms in northern Madison County. But attorney Jim Wilson said Richwine's situation does not create a direct or indirect conflict of interest.
"I'm not opposed to the plant, I'm opposed to the location," Davidson said. "This is not about economic development, it's about zoning. You're making a mistake zoning ag land industrial."
Brian Minish said few locations possess the combination of qualities necessary for a successful plant.
"When it comes to construction and site planning, we need a more rural setting than a metropolitan setting," Minish said. "We need a railroad nearby and access to natural gas. This is one of the better locations for us to look at."
The motion included a stipulation that if Ultimate Ethanol, LLC fails to construct the plant, the land will revert back to agricultural status.
"I went to a plant in Illinois," said Commissioner Pat Dillon, R-Middle District. "I live on a farm and, in the country, you take whatever smell you get, even if it's a skunk. This is America, you just accept it. If they build a hog farm, a cow farm, I'll accept it."