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Macomb, IL – It's hoped some federal money will be available to help with the proposed bio-diesel plant in LaHarpe.
Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) said he's trying to secure both a loan and a grant for the project. He said LaHarpe and the region need the jobs.
"If you go through downtown LaHarpe (you can see) it's almost boarded up," Hare said.
Hare said it's too early to know if federal assistance will be available.
The company Bio Energy hopes to begin construction of the $35 million plant by the end of the year.
In addition to seeking some federal funding, Bio Energy is working to have the McDonough County enterprise zone extended to its site. This would give the company a tax break on construction materials bought in Illinois.
CEO Jon Hall said Bio Energy does not want property tax abatements. He said those tax breaks would not help the region's economy.
USDA Loan for Carthage Project
The United States Department of Agriculture will loan $2.4 million to help with the renovation of the former college campus in Carthage.
Hare said the economic stimulus money will help turn the former eyesore into something useful.
"That community has never given up on that area. I just went into the one building. It was an old dormitory. It took them almost a year-and-a-half to renovate it. It's beautiful."
The 23-acre site was bought by Prairieland Investment Group three years ago. The group's principals are owners of Carthage Veterinary Services.
The group is converting the campus into a center for agricultural businesses and teaching. The master plan developed calls for up to five of the buildings to be demolished.
The local investors purchased the campus three years ago. The campus had been empty and neglected for 14 years before that.
Hare made his comments during a fundraiser in Macomb.