Keokuk, IA – An industrial expansion in Keokuk, worth an estimated $70 million to $100 million, has cleared another hurdle. The Keokuk Board of Adjustment has awarded Roquette America the variance required to build its new boiler. This step is necessary because the project will exceed Keokuk's height requirement for buildings. Discussions focused on the industry's needes, the availability of new technology, and the potential impact from pollution. While the new boiler is expected to cut pollution, board member Chuck Mitchell says the process prompted people to think about the impact on Keokuk's environment. Roquette must still obtain building and environmental permits before construction can begin. The new boiler must be up and running by January of 2008. Last night's meeting was standing room only, with a vast majority in favor of the plan. A spokesperson for Roquette told the board the future of operations in Keokuk would be in question if the variance was denied.
Industry Recieves Variance from Keokuk
