August 29, 2015
By Ellie Musselman
MORRIS, Minn - The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded Morris-based ethanol plant DENCO II a $750,000 grant to purchase three pieces of equipment intended to increase energy efficiency.
Mick Miller, DENCO II General Manager, told the Morris City Council this past week that the company will add a fifth fermentation tank, an additional hammer mill, and an addition to the plant’s cooling tower. The total project will cost between $1.5-1.6 million. The grant will go through the city, Miller told councilmembers, “the matching portion will come privately from Denco II. There will be no expenses on the city.”
This is the second grant awarded by DEED to the company through the plant’s public-private partnership with the city. The city will own the equipment for twelve years before ownership passes to DENCO II. The project qualifies for DEED funding because its goal is to maintain or increase employment in Morris. The plant currently has 35 full time employees.
A resolution to call for bids on the project was unanimously approved by the city council. Mayor Sheldon Giese said, “It’s always a win-win when we can work with local businesses.”
Read the original story: "Denco II Received DEED Grant"