Falls city wins top bioeconomy rating

By Scout Nelson

Falls City, Nebraska has recently achieved a significant milestone in its economic development by receiving an 'A' rating for its Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone. This prestigious rating, the first of its kind in Nebraska, encompasses a 75-mile radius around Falls City and supports a capacity of 600,000 bone dry tons of corn stover annually.

The 'A' rating signifies a high viability for feedstock supply and infrastructure with a low risk of default, positioning Falls City as an ideal location for new biobased plant operations. The region's high crop yields ensure a reliable supply of raw materials, while the absence of competing bio-projects in the area reduces operational risks.

Local farmers and agricultural businesses are well-versed in the logistics of bale production, storage, and transportation, which enhances the efficiency of bio-based operations. Additionally, the Mid-America Rail Campus offers excellent rail access and is supported by open zoning and strong government backing for further infrastructure improvements.

The strategic advantages of the BDO Zone rating were a key factor in Citroniq Chemicals LLC's decision to establish the world's largest decarbonized plastics production facility in Falls City. This development underscores the economic potential and job creation prospects within the bioeconomy sector in the area.

Lucas Froeschl, Executive Director of Falls City EDGE, expressed his enthusiasm about the rating, highlighting its affirmation of Richardson County as a leader in agricultural productivity and its contribution to the local economy.

He emphasized that Falls City is poised to spearhead bioeconomy investments, benefiting local farms and creating career opportunities in the region.

Jordan Solomon, Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative, also praised the designation, noting that it highlights Nebraska's significant potential in the bioeconomy sector. According to Solomon, this rating not only showcases the region's abundant resources and infrastructure but also supports the transition towards a sustainable, bio-based economy.

With this new 'A' rating, Falls City EDGE invites discussions with stakeholders in the bioenergy, biochemical, and bioproducts markets, ready to explore production facility construction to meet growing customer demands and objectives.

Photo Credits:usda