EVELETH, Minn. - An $18 million loan that would support development of a $52.8 million biotechnology manufacturing facility will be considered by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) at a 2:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30, meeting at IRRRB headquarters in Eveleth.

Sweetwater Energy, of Rochester, New York, would utilize the loan to help construct a commercial scale biotechnology facility in Mountain Iron that would be fed by northeastern Minnesota forestry resources.

"This project places northeastern Minnesota into the leading edge of the growing green biotechnology industry," said Mark Phillips, IRRRB Commissioner. "It's an innovative process that makes use of our region's natural resources, creates new well-paying jobs, and helps diversify the region's economy."

The facility will use Sweetwater's patented biomass processing technology, which splits Minnesota's local timber and waste wood into its constituent components quickly without producing harmful byproduct chemicals. Those components then become the building blocks of many types of biochemicals used throughout the world.

"We can't say enough about how thrilled we are to work with the great people in Minnesota," said Arunas Chesonis, Sweetwater Energy chairman and chief executive officer. "Right from the start they've been welcoming and energetic, and we're looking forward to offering solid employment in the region and expanding there as we grow."

Combined with IRRRB support, loans from the 21st Century Minerals Fund ($6 million), Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Minnesota Investment Fund ($1 million), and Minnesota Agricultural and Economic Development Board ($1 million), would provide total funding of $26 million for the project. The facility would become operational in 2017.

The IRRR Board will also consider the following two business loans.

Wilderness Products (WP) of Silver Bay is seeking a $468,150 loan to purchase the assets of Wilderness Family Naturals (WFN), a supplier of healthy, nutrient dense foods over the internet. The owners of WFN are selling the business and retiring. WP plans to add two new jobs and retain 36 jobs. The total project investment is $5.87 million.

ProBlast of Keewatin is seeking an $898,000 bank participation loan for an equipment purchase and expansion that will enable the company to increase its services. The expansion is projected to add three new jobs, while retaining nine. The total project investment is $1.79 million.

In other business, the IRRR Board will consider expenditures from the Iron Range Higher Education Account to support Iron Range Engineering, Iron Range Nursing, and a Systems Technology Program.

Also up for consideration will be $2.31 million in development infrastructure grant projects. Below is a list of the projects that will be reviewed:

Organization	Project Description	Grant Award
City of Aitkin	Lift station and sewer line infrastructure to a new housing development	$250,000
Alborn Township	Construction of a joint emergency services facility	200,000
City of Bovey	Infrastructure and site development for a joint emergency services facility	230,000
City of Cook	Addition and renovation to Cook Hospital nursing home	200,000
City of Eveleth	Infrastructure and site development at Camp Chicagami day care facility	300,000
City of Gilbert	Road construction and site development at the Gilbert Industrial Park	249,000
City of Keewatin	Site development and road construction for ProBlast expansion	250,000
City of Marble	Utility and infrastructure upgrades for an existing business	45,000
City of Mountain Iron	Infrastructure for a new housing development	300,000
City of Nashwauk	Infrastructure and site development to support a new single-family housing development	200,000
City of Orr	Utility upgrades and boiler system at the former Orr School	90,000
		$2,314,000

IRRRB is a state economic development agency headquartered in northeastern Minnesota whose mission is to promote and invest in business, community and workforce development for the betterment of northeastern Minnesota. To learn more about the agency and its services, visit www.irrrb.org. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/IRRRB.