Mile Zero Bio-Diesel Facility Moving Forward

After beginning a feasibility study in October of last year, the B.C. Grain Producers Association received $300,000 to develop a business plan to construct a bio-diesel production facility. After 8 months of delay to examine funding options, they now say they are ready to move forward. After both the federal and provincial governments announced programs with significant dollars attached, the lengthy delay was needed for producers here to figure out how to access that funding.

The issue of money is just one challenge in moving the development forward. With this year's poor harvest, finding parties willing to invest in the plant will be tricky, however, making shareholders out of the trucking industry is an option which could be mutually beneficial. In addition, Garnett Berge says the cloud of controversy surrounding the development of bio-fuels has been challenging, but is finally starting to dissipate and now is the time to begin moving forward with the bio-diesel plant. The plan is to have construction on the plant begin by as soon as 2009, in order to qualify for federal funding. According to the government, the facility would need to be in production by 2011 in order to qualify. The facility location will still be in the Dawson Creek area, however, at this point, it is too early to narrow down a specific location, without a business plan in place.

Alicia Asquith CJDC TV News, Dawson Creek