Global Renewable LLC, a Whitewater, Wis. company, today unveiled plans to construct and operate a $195-million plant that is expected to produce 105-120 million gallons of ethanol a year. The proposed 191-acre site is located in the Town of Sharon and will require annexation to the Village of Sharon. The plant is expected to be operational in October 2008, and will require approximately 38 million bushels of corn annually. It will create approximately 55 new full-time jobs and more than 200 temporary construction jobs.

Global Renewable, LLC is a partnership that includes former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, who serves as its chairman of the board. The other partners are Jeffery P. Knight, who headed the Governor's Ethanol Coalition under Gov. Thompson, and businessman Tom Weickardt.

Mr. Knight has had preliminary discussions with Village of Sharon officials and is pleased with the pro-business attitude of the community.

"Sharon is a perfect location and this is an exciting time for ethanol," Mr. Knight said. "We look forward to making our application with the village, proceeding through its approval process and receiving public input about the project."

Sharon Ethanol LLC, as the plant is to be called, is expected to pay more than $700,000 in annual property taxes.

According to Mr. Knight, area farmers will benefit from an estimated price increase of 16 cents per bushel of corn and from the availability of dried distillers grains to feed their livestock. Local farmers will save on transportation costs for corn and feed. New permanent ethanol plant jobs and temporary construction jobs will enhance the vitality of the local housing market and the business community.

At the press conference held today, former Gov. Thompson talked about his historic commitment to economic development, support of farming and leadership in alternative fuels.

"I am proud to be a part of this wonderful opportunity for the Village of Sharon and Walworth County," Thompson said. "The proposed plant is good for Wisconsin and another example of our state's longstanding leadership in alternative fuels."

A public information meeting will be held for all interested citizens. Global Renewable will announce further details about the meeting soon. Information binders addressing the proposal's key issues will be made available at local public libraries.

"We want people to understand our proposal and have opportunities to ask questions," said Mr. Knight. "We plan to be a vital member of the community and that starts with inviting public input."