19 Jan State calling for proposals to build soybean biofuel facility
Madison, Wis. – Rod Nilsestuen, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, is calling for grant proposals for the construction of a large-scale soybean crushing facility in Wisconsin, one that will contribute to the production of biofuels, according to the agri-business publication Feedstuffs.
Nilsestuen said a soybean crushing facility would expand the market for Wisconsin soybeans and supply local bio industries with the raw material to help reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.
The biennial budget signed last year by Gov. Jim Doyle includes $4 million for such projects as part of a comprehensive plan to develop the state’s bioeconomy. Doyle has established the goal of generating 25 percent of the state’s power and transportation fuel from renewable sources by 2025.
Requirements of the soybean crushing facility grant proposal include the following: matching funds; a commitment to build a plant with the capacity to process 20 million bushels annually; and the ability to complete the construction by 2009. Funds will be released only as reimbursement for actual expenditures.
Proposals must be postmarked by March 1, the award will be announced on March 25, and a contract must be in place by April 15. For more information and a copy of the request for proposal, visit the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Web site, or contact Will Hughes, administrator of Agricultural Development, at 608-224-5142.
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