HELENA-WEST HELENA-  At its monthly meeting this past Monday, the Phillips County Port Authority approved the sale of 100 acres to Patriot Alternative Fuels, Inc. which plans to build a biodiesel and ethanol plant at the Helena Harbor.  The cost to construct the plant is estimated to cost over $100 million and could be completed within the next 12-18 months.

 Executive Director Martin Chaffin said, “We are happy to have the interest from Patriot Alternative Fuels.  With the addition of this prospect, we currently have prospects who have either purchased or leased land representing the potential creation of over 600 jobs.  It appears that construction could begin on at least one of these facilities before the end of next year.”

 In addition to this most recent prospect, Chaffin also reported that he had been in contact with RGM Marketing, LLC of Kansas City, which has purchased 200 acres of land and has an option to purchase more.  RGM plans to construct a food-grade processing facility with an adjacent biodiesel plant and power production facility.  When completed, that facility is estimated to bring an estimated $1 billion investment to the community.

 Chaffin reported, “RGM has sent another $50,000 to extend its option to purchase another 45 days.  They are nearing completion of their architectural drawings and have made progress toward obtaining their permits.  It appears that they are moving forward at a reasonable pace.  We could potentially know a potential timeline for construction before the end of the year.”

 The Port Authority also heard a presentation from Covenant Ethanol representatives from Kansas and Arkansas. 

 Chaffin also reported to the port that 12 other prospects have been in contact with the Port Authority about various projects and have proposals at lesser stages of development.  The other prospect with a land option, E-Fuels of Nevada, is reportedly continuing its efforts to line up investors.

 Chaffin said, “We have had more activity at our facility in the last 10 months than has occurred in years.  This is an exciting time, and our facility is attracting attention from all over the county.  It’s a matter of time before  we see considerable economic development at the Harbor.”

 Re:  Port Holds Monthly Meeting; Picks up another prospect

 HELENA-WEST HELENA-  Another prospect for alternative fuels has leased 50 acres at the Helena Slackwater Harbor for the purposes of constructing a facility to manufacture the product.

 According to Executive Director Martin Chaffin, this company estimates that it could be preparing the site for construction within 120 days.  He said, ?This is just another exciting opportunity for this area.  There is more activity at our facility than there has ever been.  I believe that we are on the brink of witnessing construction of one of these facilities.

 Chaffin also reported that RGM Marketing, a company out of Kansas City, Missouri, is continuing to make progress on its plans to build a $1.6 billion facility on 200 acres of land recently purchased at the port.  That plant will process food grade material, manufacture Biofuels, and have a power plant to produce power for the factory.  The plant, when constructed, will be the biggest investment in Phillips County in more than a generation.

 Chaffin also reported that the port has another biodiesel prospect that needs about 20 acres to build a facility that will produce 65 million gallons of fuel annually.  Other prospects include a lumber mill and a steel fabrication facility.

 Chaffin said, We are excited about these prospects, and we are making substantial progress.  I can envision a groundbreaking within the next 90-180 days.  We have prospects coming in every day.  Construction of the last extension of our bridge crane will begin in January.  Our facility is continuing to develop and is one of the best on the river.  Economic development in Phillips County appears to be inevitable, and it is an exciting time to be here.

 In other business, the Port passes a resolution congratulating Delta American Fuels, a joint venture of Pat Burks and David Brooks Griffin, on their announcement that they plan to construct a biodiesel plant on Highway 20 south of Helena.  Chaffin said, ?A rising tide lifts all boats, and we are happy to see construction of a facility in the area that will create some jobs.  This is big for the county and the Port Authority congratulates Delta American on its achievements.

Also discussed at the meeting was the progress of E-Fuels Inc., of Nevada on securing financing for its biodiesel facility.  Chaffin reported that an E-Fuels representative will be here this week to report on their progress.