South Dakota-based VeraSun Energy Corp. has officially announced plans to build an ethanol biorefinery in Reynolds, also known as BioTown USA.

“VeraSun is making a commitment to Reynolds and the BioTown(TM) project that continues our state’s focus on renewable energy sources,” said Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels in a press release from VeraSun.

BioTown USA was launched in 2005 and is the first community in the nation working to meet all of its energy needs through the use of biorenewable resources.

Intentions for the plant were first publicized in January, site preparation is expected to begin next month. Construction of the plant will take approximately 16 months. The plant is being engineered by ICM, Inc., of Colwich, Kansas, and the general contractor is Fagen, Inc., of Granite Falls, Minnesota.

Last week, VeraSun Energy Corporation was named South Dakota’s Business of the Year by the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry.