More than 1.6 billion gallons of ethanol were produced last year in this country. Most of it came from corn. People have to think outside of the box. Near Conrad, north of Great Falls, Henry McGonigle said there originally was some skepticism surrounding plans for a plant using wheat and barley to make ethanol. But that has changed to excitement, said McGonigle, managing director of The HTM Group, LLC, which is developing the site.
Organizers hope to have the ethanol plant running by late next year.
The plant, planned near Clatskanie, Ore., hopes to ship in raw materials from the edge of the Corn Belt, the Upper Great Plains and Montana, and to sell products regionally. Wells said the business plan is sound, and an analysis of it showed that even in a worst-case scenario, the facility should make money. If you wish to receive the newspaper on your doorstep or before this time, please subscribe . HERE for information on how to contact the Independent Record and to read about our letter policy. Copyright 1996-2001, Helena Independent Record.