SEPA rail loop discussed

Jamestown (CSi) The Spiritwood Energy Park Association (SEPA) has until March 31, 2015 to raise $1 million to connect its rail loop to the BNSF main line.

Currently the rail loop is a circular track around the SEPA industrial park but does not connect to any other rail lines.

SEPA is a partnership between the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corp. and Great River Energy.

JSDC CEO Connie Ova will explore opportunities for raising the funds.

Currently, JSDC owns 70 percent of SEPA. If it makes an additional investment of $1 million, its share of ownership would increase to 75 percent

The additional $1 million will raise the final cost of the loop to $11 million.

The SEPA industrial park is home to Dakota Spirit AgEnergy and includes about 400 acres of additional property for future industrial development.

SEPA built the rail loop last summer to provide rail access to Dakota Spirit AgEnergy and the SEPA industrial park.

The Dakota Spirit AgEnergy plant which is in the final stages of construction.

Plant operations are expected to begin in April. The plant will utilize rail cars to bring in corn and ship ethanol.