Milford ethanol plant canceled, Kosciusko County official says

MILFORD, Ind. - A Kosciusko County commissioner said this morning that VeraSun Energy Corp. will not purchase land just north of Milford to construct an ethanol plant.

Brad Jackson said a "reliable" source, who wants to be left unnamed, told him that VeraSun chose another location after evaluating factors of both sites. Those factors include community support, local corn supply, transportation, utilities and "other facets."

The County Commissioners had been waiting on VeraSun to apply to rezone the land for industrial use through the County Board of Zoning Appeals before they made a recommendation.

Jackson said he had yet to make an opinion on whether or not the plant should be constructed in Milford.

"I do always try to keep an open mind," Jackson said. "We were still in a fact finding mode when the decision was made."

In a commissioners' meeting in February, Jackson said the issue had been the largest to come through his office. Gov. Mitch Daniels is aware of the issue and commented on a radio program that a plant shouldn't go where "local folks truly think it will detract and not add to the quality of life."

Green signs reading "Ethanol The Right Fuel" and red signs reading "No! Ethanol Fuel Refinery" are spread throughout yards, business windows and fields.

The Kosciusko and Elkhart Farm Bureau co-operatives funded the movement in support of the plant.

Lisa Glon of the Northern Lakes Concerned Citizens Organization, the group opposing the plant, said, "I'm sure I can say on behalf of the entire group that we are thrilled."

Officials from VeraSun were unavailable for comment this morning.

Jackson, who had a meeting with VeraSun officials last week, said it is unlikely the South Dakota-based company will make an official comment or written statement.

VeraSun took options to purchase two parcels of farmland just north of Milford. One parcel was east of Milford Junction and one was south of Milford Junction.

After the announcement of the ethanol plant proposal was made Milford residents rallied in opposition of the plant. Later, proponents of ethanol also began to organize and pro- and anti-plant signs dotted the community and countryside.