An Illinois-based ethanol company is considering two sites in Iowa for a new biorefinery that would bring dozens of jobs. Officials with Dupont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol are considering locations in Webster and Story counties, in addition to other sites outside Iowa. John Kramer, president of the Development Corporation of Fort Dodge and Webster County, says they’re anxious to learn if they’ll be the chosen site.
“It would be a big economic boom for the entire region,” Kramer says. “We’re optimistic and hopefully our proposal and the assets of the region will carry us through.” Dupont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol is based in Itasca, Illinois. Kramer says the cellulosic biorefinery would be expected to bring in 65 full-time jobs and five part-time jobs, in addition to 125 contracted employees. Kramer said the facility would be welcome news for the Fort Dodge and Webster City areas.
“If it was ten jobs, that would be nice, but really the economic impact is, there are a whole bunch of farmers in a 50-mile radius are going to have another product to sell — that’s what we’re doing this for,” Kramer says. “Those farmers will make more money and when they make more money, they spend more money and then our economy is solid.”
Kramer says a decision on the location is expected by end of the year, perhaps before Thanksgiving.
By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City
