Prairie Ethanol Breaks Ground on South Dakota Plant

"We congratulate Prairie Ethanol on reaching this milestone and commend the local leaders who have helped to develop this great opportunity. The positive impacts of this ethanol plant will be felt throughout the community, the state, and the nation as a whole," said Brian Jennings, American Coalition for Ethanol Executive VP.

When completed, Prairie Ethanol will produce 60 million gallons of ethanol annually using 21 million bushels of corn from the region. The plant will employ approximately 40 people, mostly from the local area. Startup is anticipated for late next year. The plant will be designed and built by the Broin Companies of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

"In these times of high gas prices and tight supply, ethanol is providing much-needed fuel for American motorists," Jennings said. "But ethanol does so much more than just extend the fuel supply -- it is a clean-burning, renewable, high performance fuel that is made right here at home. The local owners of Prairie Ethanol should be very proud of their contribution to our nation's environment, economy, and energy security."

South Dakota has 11 ethanol plants currently operating, with a collective capacity of more than 450 million gallons of ethanol annually, making South Dakota the nation's fourth largest ethanol producer. Currently there are 90 ethanol plants operating across the country with a total capacity of 4 billion gallons annually. Including Prairie Ethanol, 22 additional plants are under construction.