The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority in Ohio has given the green light to the proposed construction of an ethanol plant… the first with direct access to the Great Lakes.

This story from the Toledo (OH) Free Press reports the plant is to be built on a site on the Maumee River:

“We are very pleased that the Port Authority feels that an ethanol plant would be a great addition to the City of Toledo and the region,” said Bob Spitler, an attorney for Buckeye Biopower. “We anticipate that the ethanol plant would have a significant positive economic impact on the region and help lead Toledo in the alternative fuels arena.”

The Port Authority, which owns the 120-acre site on the Maumee River, consented to Midwest Terminals of Toledo’s request to sublease the property. Buckeye Biopower in turn will build the 30-acre plant on the site. Midwest Terminals President Alex Johnson said groundbreaking would likely happen between October and December.

The $240 million plant will employ 40 to 50 people when completed.