Illinois Representative John Shimkus

Led by Illinois Representative John Shimkus, several members of Congress are seeking the inclusion of $14 million in the House Agricultural Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 1999 for the Corn-to-Ethanol Research Pilot Plant to be located at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois. The purpose of the pilot plant is to allow for research and development into more efficient and economical methods of production of ethanol from corn. The state of Illinois has already contributed $6 million to the project.