Camden News July 23, 2009

By: Donna Collins, Staff Writer

 The eyes of the world are on Camden and the soon-to-start construction of Phoenix Renewable Energy’s wood pellet manufacturing plant and biomass electricity producing plant. The company has also increased the number of jobs expected to be created from 40 to 62.
   That’s what Phoenix development director Steve Walker told members and guests of Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development during the board’s regular monthly meeting Wednesday.
   Walker was on hand to give a progress report of the $100 million project that includes construction of both plants at the former International Paper Mill, now owned by Camden Area Industrial Development Corporation, and an extensive revamping of the Port of Camden.
 

   On Aug. 13 the company will have a groundbreaking ceremony that will include U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor and U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, Walker said.
   Walker said the Camden plants will be a "show piece" in the biomass energy industry. He said production projects have increased based on interest the company has received since it first announced plans.
   He described the company’s plans, the nation’s political environment, and Camden’s location and assistance from every sector of the community as "the perfect storm."
   He thanked CAIDC, OPED, Mayor Chris Claybaker and the community for their hard work. It has been estimated that the company could be up and running 15 to 18 months once construction begins.

Printed in the Camden News, Section Main; Page 1