A large parcel of land just across the Missouri River from Sioux City near Elk Point, South Dakota, could become home to the first oil refinery built in the U-S in more than 30 years — a project that could create thousands of jobs.

Dallas-based Hyperion Resources says Union County, South Dakota, is a finalist for an oil refinery complex that’ll process 400,000 barrels of oil per day, that’s equal to the daily fuel consumption of Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota combined. It’s expected to create 1800 permanent jobs and 10,000 construction jobs.

Preston Phillips, Hyperion’s project manager, says the final decision likely won’t be made for about a year.

Two other cities, both reportedly in the Midwest, are in the running for the $8 billion refinery but the company hasn’t announced the other sites under consideration.

Radio Iowa