A sign marking the approaching Rush Renewable Energy ethanol plant north of Rushville was placed late last week. Rushville Mayor Bob Bridges said construction of the plant, though delayed, will take place.

“The commitment is a firm commitment to build the ethanol plant north of Rushville. Equipment has been ordered that will be used at the plant and we take that as a firm commitment,” Bridges said in March.

Bridges and other officials anticipate construction to begin in the not too distant future and a May groundbreaking is anticipated.

The delay has been placed on a reorganization and restructuring of the participants in the Rush Renewable Energy/DRS Venture ethanol plant project. However, local officials have been assured that the project is moving forward.

Once complete and operational, it is anticipated that the local ethanol facility will consume roughly 20 million bushels of corn annually and produce 60 million gallons of ethanol.

Rush Renewable Energy officials have said that the $90 million facility will create jobs for up to 300 construction craftsmen during the building stage and an additional 35 to 40 full-time positions upon completion.

Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@cnhimedia.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.