UPDATE: The Port of Whitman County has issued a statement regarding AgTech OS’s decision to end it’s plans to build and operate a biodiesel plant in Pullman.
The Port became aware of AgTech OS’ decision to seek an alternate location in the Palouse this afternoon. We respect the right of any business to locate where they choose and where they believe their business will thrive.
The Port remains committed to supporting our local industries and quality of life for everyone in Whitman County. We expect to coordinate soon with our funding partners and with local businesses interested in the proposed Agriculture Advancement Campus. We’ll continue sharing information with the community as next steps evolve.
The port’s media consultant hired to promote the project says the local government agency hasn’t decided yet whether or not to proceed with their rezone request to the City of Pullman.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The controversial plan to develop a biodiesel plant in the City of Pullman is dead.
AgTech OS announced today that they are seeking an alternative site for their proposed facility. The local startup company stated the “overwhelming negative sentiment” to the proposed site led to the decision.
The company partnered with the Port of Whitman County on the project. The port commissioners agreed to buy land on Wawawai Road next to the Whispering Hills subdivision. The board accepted an offer to pay 3.8 million dollars for the property to develop an Agricultural Advancement Campus with the biodiesel plant as the anchor tenant. The ground needed to be rezoned by Pullman City Council to allow for the development. The project drew strong opposition from many Pullman residents opposed to locating a biodiesel plant next to a neighborhood. Over 7,000 people signed an online petition opposing the plan. The port’s deal to buy the property would have only been finalized if the property was rezoned.
AgTech OS Chief Executive Officer Ernest Spicer says they are hoping to find a new rural location on the Palouse for their facility. The company wants to process canola into biodiesel.
Pullman Radio News has reached out to the Port of Whitman County for reaction to AgTech OS’s decision. The port’s media consultant who has been hired to promote the project is working on providing a response.
You can read AgTech OS’s statement here https://www.issuewire.com/agtech-os-inc-seeks-alternate-location-for-palouse-region-operation-1760947557911899