A symbolic day
By Robert Wolfington IIIArticle Photos
LAMBERTON - Construction crews were hard at work in the background Wednesday while the symbolic shovels were just digging into the dirt for the first time.
The ceremonial groundbreaking of the Highwater Ethanol Plant in Lamberton on Wednesday came months after actual construction began, but it marked one of the first celebrations of a project years in the making.
Brian Kletscher, president of the Highwater Ethanol board, said the plant has faced many hurdles in the road to the ground breaking.
"It has certainly been a challenge at times, but also the rewards as we can see the buildings go up and the facility go up, it's very rewarding as a board and member owners," said Kletscher.
The rewards for the region are coming in the form of economic development, Lamberton Mayor Craig Wetter said.
"This is an exciting time for the city of Lamberton and this area to see the expansion of economic development," said Wetter.
"We're looking forward to working with Highwater Ethanol to expand everything that is going on out here and hopefully get even more industry in this industrial park."
Farmers and other community members took a bus tour of the construction site following the ground breaking ceremony.
Officials said the plant is expected to be in operation by June 2009, and construction on the site is ahead of schedule.
Ron Fagen, owner of Fagen Inc., a construction company out of Granite Falls that specializes in ethanol plants, said the proposers of Highwater Ethanol were persistent in their desire for the plant.
"These guys were determined people, they didn't give up until they had their plant," said Fagen. "The relationship they have with Granite Falls Energy, working with each other, is a big deal."
Fagen said creating the infrastructure for ethanol as an alternative fuel is important for the U.S. economy.
"What we're doing building these ethanol plants is the right thing," said Fagen. "Unfortunately there are a lot of people that don't think it's the right thing. It's a strong economic tool for the corn region and other regions, and the money stays right here in the United States."
Sen. Jim Vickerman, DFL-Tracy, said there has spoke about the criticism surrounding the ethanol industry.
Vickerman said it's important to dispel what he calls misinformation about ethanol production.
"We have to keep our guard up," said Vickerman. "What I hear constantly is we're using food, we're taking away food. You're using too much water. None of that is true. More water is used on the golf courses in Minneapolis and St. Paul than all the ethanol plants in Minnesota.
"They haven't figured out that you only take part of the grain - the distiller grain is still there and people still want it."
Fagen said the ethanol industry has continued to be profitable despite high grain prices and rising energy costs.
"Of all the ethanol plants that Fagen has built since 1988, they're all still in business, none of them have closed their doors," said Fagen. "A couple of them delayed start-ups but they're starting up now. They've all been making money.
"Some (plants) are making razor thin margins but they're making money and they're going to make it through tough times," added Fagen. "Times are going to get better."
Highwater Ethanol has a partnership with Granite Falls Energy, an ethanol plant in Granite Falls that opened for business in recent years.
Tracy Olson, general manager of Granite Falls Energy, said he was excited to see Highwater Ethanol moving forward.
"It's very exciting for the ethanol industry as a whole. I am truly bullish on energy and bullish on American-made energy so we're not putting ourselves at risk with foreign oil for our energy source.
"Ethanol is part of the solution."
Olson said Granite Falls Energy will be sharing some administrative positions with Highwater Ethanol.
