Renewable Energy Group’s time in Emporia may be coming to an end soon.
The future of the REG biodiesel plant in southeast Emporia — listed as a site closure — is one of two lead items on the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas’ Board of Directors meeting this coming Friday. Officials have not commented on the agenda item.
The city reached an agreement with REG on the plant in 2007 and construction started shortly afterward. The Great Recession followed, halting the project with the facility less than half completed. The company has also cited frequent changes in federal biodiesel policy, including adjustments in tax credit guidance, as a reason the plant remains unfinished.
In 2018, the city extended an incentive compliance agreement with the company that extends through 2023.
The other main topic of business is a report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Fanestil Meats’ move out of the Cottonwood River floodplain. Fanestil moved its processing facility out of the floodplain just south of Emporia in 2014, but it has sought to exit the floodplain for several years before that. Production stops whenever there is significant flooding.
The RDA board meeting is at 7 am Friday at the Trusler Business Center.
