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By Julie Ann Madden

On Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 28, the Akron community learned Akron Riverview Corn Processors LLC. suspended further project development of its proposed ethanol plant, which would have been located at 170th Street and Iowa Highway 12 south of Akron. Citing unfavorable “market conditions,” Akron Riverview officials also stopped the preparation of its registration statement for the sale of its securities. “Akron Riverview Corn Processors LLC (official) intends to monitor market conditions and will proceed with the preparation of its registration statement and further project development at a later date if it deems it appropriate and advantageous,” according to a press release from Little Sioux Corn Processors LLLP, which owns Akron Riverview subsidiary. With ethanol prices at $1.60 a gallon and $3 per bushel corn, it’s making it real difficult to get financing, said Plymouth County Economic Development Director Gary Tucker. “It’s a sign of the economy.” On June 15 of this year, Akron Riverview officials announced they had exercised options on the real estate for their 100-milliongallon ethanol plant site. The sale of the two parcels, which were owned by Robert and Margaret Lias and Mary Wohlenberg respectively, was to have been finalized within the next 30 to 60 days. Plymouth County Auditor Recorder JoLynn Goodchild said the sales were recorded in her office on Aug. 30. The suspension of Akron Riverview plans may also halt both Plymouth County’s Urban Renewal Area creation and road improvements near Akron. According to Tucker, Plymouth County Supervisors will probably complete the legal proceedings on their planned Urban Renewal Area but will also stop the process. Therefore, if Akron Riverview continues with the project, the county would just have to hold a public hearing to move forward. Design work on proposed roadway changes to 170th Street and Iowa Highways 3 and 12 would be finished, however, any plans to begin actual reconstruction of the roadways would not occur at this time. “It all really hinged on the ethanol plant,” said Tucker. “Akron’s the big loser,” said Tucker, explaining not only did the Akron community lose the ethanol plant, it lost revenues that would have been generated during its construction phase and from any other businesses that would have come to Akron because of the ethanol plant. “It’s kind of a painful day.” “We realize the necessity of green fuels and certainly appreciate their endeavor of coming to Akron,” said Akron Mayor Harold Higman Jr. “We’re sorry to see them have to postpone it for a period of time. We’re certainly looking forward to them starting construction next year.” “We want them to know we are here to support them favorably to their community and any impact there on,” he added. “In one sense, it might not be all bad that it’s postponed,” said Higman. “I don’t really feel the community as such realizes the impact it may well have on them -- the positive impact. There is a lot of opportunity there and we have some things we are looking at and working through right now in terms of economic development that may well come to better support when they do come to town.” “Obviously it’s a disappointment,” said Ericson. “It’s their money, their decision. If they aren’t going to do it, there’s not much we can do but say ‘hey, when you’re ready, we’re here, we’re willing, we’re able to help.’ That’s all we can do.” “It’s just hard to see them not moving forward this year,” said Councilwoman Lisa Roggatz. “Hopefully, they’ll come next year.” “I respect their decision,” said Akron City Councilman Bob Frerichs. “They know their own business. We’ll welcome them in the future, and if that’s their decision, we respect their right to postpone it.” “We’ll just wait and see what they’re going to do,” said Frerichs.