An informational meeting about a proposed more than $650-million renewable transportation fuel plant in Gary’s Buffington Harbor area has been scheduled after members of the common council delayed a vote on the project seeking additional information.
AJ Bytnar, redevelopment director, said the Redevelopment Commission and the Gary Sanitary District have made substantial progress on the project at 6200 Industrial Drive with Fulcrum Centerpoint LLC and are ready to move forward.
“Essentially what this is, is a diversion of municipal solid waste in the manufacturing process of jet engine fuel,” Bytnar said.
Developers already have agreements with major users such as Delta Air Lines for use of the fuel. Equity partners include energy players, including BP.
The facility will convert approximately 700,000 tons per year of feedstock manufactured elsewhere from municipal solid waste into approximately 33 million gallons per year of transportation fuels.
Stephan Akard and Victor Smith with Boze McKinney & Evans LLP of Indianapolis, attorney’s for Fulcrum, said the deal is using funding through the Indiana Finance Authority and is ready to close on $375 million of those bonds Nov. 18.
“The project development agreement memorializes the description of the infrastructure improvements,” Akard said. The agreement also memorializes the commitment of Fulcrum to use contractors from Gary in the construction and pursue Gary residents as employees.
The project has been in the works for several years. Fulcrum must close on the bonds by the end of the year when the borrowing cap the IFA expires.
Council President William Godwin, D-1st, said he had not had enough time to properly review the proposal because the council has been embroiled in discussions surrounding the approval of the 2022 budget.
“I will just say I want to make sure that I’m completely understanding everything about it before I vote for it,” Godwin said.
He said he would like more information on how a similar plant in Reno, Nevada, operated by Fulcrum is doing. Godwin said he would also like to have more public engagement on a project of this scale, a chance to hear from environmental entities about their concern and more information about hiring of Gary residents.
“I want to be able to be comfortable with the vote I take,” Godwin said, adding returning the project to committee is not about delaying progress.
Fulcrum will conduct the information session at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday via Zoom. Participation details can be found at the Re-Imagine Gary Facebook page to obtain input from residents and other interested parties.
Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
