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"The rising tide raises all ships," Tom said philosophically of the agro-industrial project's economic impact on local and state levels.
The 250-acre facility south of Claypool will be the world's largest producer of biofuel.
"When IEDC looks at a project, we formulate the return on the state's investment. The direct return here is a good one. The indirect returns to the local and regional economy make this an outstanding project for the state of Indiana," Tom said.
Regional soybean producers will see direct benefits in the creation of a more competitive market, lower transportation costs and potential savings in soymeal.
During processing, 80 percent of the soybean is meal used for high protein supplements used in dairy, poultry and pork rations. The remaining 19 to 20 percent results in soybean oil, which will be refined further for soy methyl ester - a biofuel product derived from soybean oil using methanol during transesterification.
"The intent is to crush 150,000 bushels of soybeans a day," Tom said. "That's 250,000 gallons of soy methyl ester per day blended into diesel fuels across the state."
The beans will come by rail and by truck.
"Louis Dreyfus has been very concerned about safety issues," Tom said. "The Indiana Department of Transportation has worked closely with the IEDC and Dreyfus to improve traffic flow and safety in the area."
Site plans show access to the facility off of Ind. 15, south of the overpass. The railroad spur will link with the east-west rail under the overpass.
"Improvements and expansion of the road are planned to improve traffic and ensure traffic safety," Tom said. "It's all part of the governor's Major Moves initiative as well. For the last 16 to 20 years the roads have kind of slipped. They've not been maintained or improved upon. We have to accommodate additional traffic flow to support the economic environment of the state."
The state's incentive package of nearly $6 million in incentives must, by state statute, be backed by county-level support.
The county recently seated an economic development commission to make recommendations to the county council regarding tax abatements and the establishment of tax increment financing districts.
Louis Dreyfus has not approached local boards with specific requests.
"Louis Dreyfus is adamant about using local resources," Tom said. "They will make sure they're using Indiana companies to build and continue the project. That's all part of their plan."
