Ethanol plant and pipeline plans in Napa Junction

AP News reports that south-eastern South Dakota, Napa Junction is to be the location of a new ethanol plant. Officials are also considering the construction of a private natural gas pipeline in the area.

The idea to bring a new ethanol plant to Napa Junction has appealed to several companies. AP News reports that since the opening of a grain shuttling facility as well as the construction of a new pelleting plant, the area has seen a lot of activity over the past year and a half.

According to AP News, ethanol businesses are still finalising details, but officials have established a cost-effective option to feed the ethanol operation.  General Manager of Dakota Plains Matt Winsand, states that the plan is to build a private natural gas pipeline for the area northwest of Yankton.

Windsand also said that the pipeline would cost up to $33 million (€28.9 million) and could benefit other nearby areas. “Nothing’s been set in stone with the state. But they’re willing to listen to the options that we’re bringing to the table. It’s not a Napa Junction pipeline fix; it’s a southeast South Dakota opportunity.” Windsand told AP News.

A conditional-use permit for the ethanol plant is to be considered by the Yankton County Commission on the 28^th December. The commission’s chairman Todd Woods has expressed his support for the plant, “For me it’s a win-win. If the ethanol plant comes to fruition, it’s another place for our farmers to sell their grain and get a better price for their grain.”