Public meetings are part of the process of bringing an ethanol plant to any community. Plans must be presented and concerns addressed.

Monona County Ethanol – a Midwest Ethanol Producers company – held two public meetings this week in the area where they plan to build a 100 million gallon per year facility. About 200 people attended the meetings held in Onawa and Blencoe, where the plant will be located. According to Midwest Ethanol CFO Kurt Bravo, the plant will provide 45 – 50 professional, skilled and semi-skilled employment opportunities, with compensation packages averaging $52,000.00 per year including benefits.

The Iowa plant is scheduled to break ground in January of 2007, with production slated for the 1st quarter of 2008. This is the fifth plant for Midwest Ethanol Producers – the other four are located in Nebraska.