New North: Report shows feasibility of cellulosic ethanol operation

Contact: Joshua Morby

Mobile: 920.968.4197

Email: media@thenewnorth.com

Phase One shows available feedstocks, Phase Two shows supplier support

NIAGARA, November 12, 2009 – New North, Inc. today released Phase Two of a study on the feasibility of a cellulosic ethanol plant in Niagara.

On July 29, officials released Phase One of the study conducted by Resource Analytics, which found that sufficient biomass resources exist in the surrounding area to support a cellulosic ethanol plant.

Phase Two demonstrates substantial interest among individuals and companies to provide biomass resources – particularly wood resources – to such a facility, provided the plant could support diverse types of feedstocks.

“As second generation biofuels emerge as a fuel source, the New North is well positioned to take advantage with the resources and infrastructure necessary to create them,” said Jerry Murphy, Executive Director of the New North, Inc. “This study has demonstrated that a cellulosic ethanol facility at the former Niagara paper mill site has a great deal of promise for potential investors.”

In addition to wood resources – which provide the best option in the short-term – the study also notes the possibility of creating switchgrass supplier cooperatives in conjunction with the establishment of an ethanol plant over the coming years.

Phase II of the study is available for download at http://www.tinyurl.com/biomassstudy2. Phase one is also available at http://www.tinyurl.com/biomassstudy.

New North, Inc. is a regional collaboration effort focused on promoting regional cooperation and economic development in an 18-county region in Northeast Wisconsin. The 18 counties included in the New North are Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Waupaca, Brown, Shawano, Oconto, Marinette, Door, Kewaunee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette, Florence, Menominee, and Waushara. To find out more information about New North, Inc., please visit our website at http://www.thenewnorth.com.

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