Fuel plant moves forward
The authority's executive said there is bipartisan support for the project.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
EAST LIVERPOOL -- Building permits for the 4 billion Baard Energy plant could be submitted as early as June to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Tracy Drake, chief executive officer of the Columbiana County Port Authority, said Monday that the project is "proceeding full steam ahead."
The building permits would allow construction of a plant that would turn coal into liquid fuel.
Drake said after that, it would be a question of how fast the permits could be approved.
John Baardson, the president of Baard Energy of Vancouver, Wash., was one of four people seated at the head table at a recent dinner for U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Drake said. The military is interested in alternative fuels for its airplanes.
Drake also said he's met with elected officials who are interested in the project, including U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown and George Voinovich.
"We have a lot of support on both sides of the [political] aisle," Drake said.
The proposed plant would be located near the authority's water, road and train port on the Ohio River near Wellsville.
The board also approved the purchase of a crane for the port at a cost of 3.6 million. The box-type crane will be able to lift containers weighing 50 tons and containers that are 50 feet long.
Other matters
In other action, the board approved 18 million in revenue bonds for Total Waste Logistics, which owns Eastern States Railroad. Two-thirds of the money will be used to buy rail cars and the rest will go to make improvements to rail lines between Negley and Findlay.
The authority also agreed to rent space at its headquarters for 200 a month to the East Liverpool Business Association. The association will create a Web site for Appalachian Cottage Industries, which will highlight the products of local artisans and craftsmen.
wilkinson@vindy.com