WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — A key piece of the proposed $80 million aluminum recycling plant in Wisconsin Rapids fell into place Thursday
The city’s Finance and Property Committee gave preliminary approval to the purchase agreement for the land and the developer’s agreement for the project, paving the way for full council approval next week.
Matalco Vice President for Corporate Development Robert Roscetti says there are still a few details that need to be finalized in that agreement, but on the surface, everything appears to be on track. “Right now it’s back in the city’s court for them to look at some areas that we’d like some modification on, the hope is to have that agreement done by the end of the month.”
If that happens, Roscetti says they would be on track for a June groundbreaking. But, that could change depending on other permits from state and federal regulators including an air permit. “We diligently filled out the application to make sure it was comprehensive, and the hope is to get that over to the Wisconsin DNR by next week.”
That process typically runs three months, Roscetti says they can’t break ground until that is processed. “That would put us with a shovel in the ground by June.”
Some in the Wisconsin Rapids community have expressed concerns about potential emissions from the plant and how it would impact the community. According to Roscetti they’ve never had those issues at their other facilities in Ontario and Ohio.
“From an environmental perspective, we’re pretty well versed in terms of the machinery that we are implementing and the emissions that come off those units to stay within code.
“Not only to get the permit but ongoing. EPA requirements are very strict, and we have abided by them. We’ve never had any issues, smoke related, particle, or smell,” he said.
The developer and purchase agreement now goes to the full city council for approval on Tuesday, March 19th.
Representatives from Matalco added they have already had contact with several contractors from around Central and Northern Wisconsin who have expressed interest in working on the facility. Engineers are currently working to put together construction packages for those interested companies, which are scheduled to go out in the coming weeks. “We don’t see any issues with finding the labor force,” said Roscetti.
Officials estimate that at any given time there could be as many as 100 workers on the ground in Wisconsin Rapids during the 18-month construction process.
