News Release
For Immediate Release — October 7, 2008
Media Advisory
What:
Groundbreaking for the University of Tennessee-Genera Energy-DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol Biorefinery
When:
2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 14, 2008 (Ceremony should take approximately 45 minutes.)
Where:
Niles Ferry Industrial Park, Vonore, Tennessee
Details:
The groundbreaking for Tennessee's first of its kind pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol refinery will be celebrated with an official ceremony at the site of the future plant. Instead of the traditional ribbon-wrapped shovel, a local farmer, David Richesin, will join Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and others in using a tractor and planter to initiate the biorefinery's construction. Richesin is one of 16 local farmers under contract to the UT Institute of Agriculture to produce switchgrass as a feedstock for the biorefinery.
In addition to Governor Bredesen and Mr. Richesin, scheduled participants in the rain-or-shine event include Senator Bob Corker, Congressman Zach Wamp, Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr., University of Tennessee President John Petersen, DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol President Joe Skurla, and Monroe County Mayor Allan Watson.
Leaders and scientists from the UT Institute of Agriculture, which is spearheading the effort to produce farm-based biofuels, will also be on hand. Background about the biorefinery, the Tennessee Biofuels Initiative and the state's effort to position itself as a leader in the development of bio-based fuels is available online: http://www.utbioenergy.org/TNBiofuelsInitiative/
An informal reception will begin at 1:30 p.m., with the formal ceremony scheduled for 2:00. Guest speakers and dignitaries will be available to media immediately following the event. The Governor's availability at this time is limited to approximately 15 minutes.
Directions:
From Maryville, Tenn., take U.S. 411 south to Vonore. Immediately after crossing the Little Tennessee River Bridge into Vonore, turn right onto Tellico Port Road. Follow the signs to parking and shuttles. Approximate travel time 30 minutes.
Alternatively, Interstate 75, Exit 72, is approximately 18 miles from the Park via State Route 72. Turn left onto U.S. 411 and left onto Industrial Drive and right onto Tellico Port Road. Driving time is approximately 40 minutes.
For more information or to schedule interviews with scientists or key participants, contact:
Patricia McDaniels, UT Institute of Agriculture Marketing and Communications
865.974.7141 (office); 865.363.6009 (mobile)
Jennifer Hutchins, DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol, LLC.
585.256.6973 (office); 585.967.4619 (mobile)