U.S. Ethanol to build plant in Sullivan County

The Tribune-Star

INDIANAPOLIS - Sen. John Waterman, R-Shelburn, and Rep. Bruce Borders, R-Jasonville, announced Wednesday that U.S. Ethanol will build an ethanol plant in Shelburn.

This is the second project in Indiana planned by U.S. Ethanol. The plant is a $180 million investment and will create 60 to 65 permanent jobs, the senators said in a release from the statehouse.

"This is fantastic news for Shelburn and the rest of the area," Waterman said. "We've worked hard on this issue for the past few years and I'm glad to finally see our hard work pay off."

U.S. Ethanol has planned six sites for next year; two in California, two in Illinois and two in Indiana. They are expected to invest $1 billion for these plants and are currently working out the financial details with various investors and lenders.

"Indiana has quickly become a leader in ethanol," Borders said. "I'm glad that our area can be a part of this success."

Ground will be broken for the new facility sometime next year. One of the nation's largest construction companies, Kiewit, will lead the construction efforts. The initial phase of construction will create 400 to 500 jobs.

Waterman represents Senate District 39, which includes Sullivan County, as well as portions of Knox, Daviess, Greene, Owen, Clay and Vigo counties. Borders represents House District 45, which includes Sullivan County, as well as portions of Vigo, Greene, Daviess and Knox counties.