EKB News

A proposed garbage-to-ethanol plant in Pike County experienced a setback when $5 million was removed under the U.S. Senate Congressional Review process, when Senator Jim Bunning had placed the $5 million in the federal budget. But, Argesti-Biofuels, the company that will construct and operate the plant, recently met with Pike County Judge Executive Wayne Rutherford and Pike County Director of Energy and Community Development Charles Carlton to assure Pike County the company is adament the plant moves forward. Argesti is seeking to infuse the project with $5 million in private capital and is re-visiting the Governor's office for additional funding. The project is conforming to becoming a phased project, with phase 1 costing roughly $13 million. Locally, $2 million from coal severance tax will go toward the project.