Emporia, Kansas Issued BDO Zone 'BBB' Rating For Corn Stover

– ‘BBB’ Rating to Stimulate Biobased Economic Opportunity –

The Emporia Regional Development Association and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the issue of an investment-grade Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone ‘BBB’ rating. The Emporia BDO Zone encompasses a 75-mile drive distance from the center point in the City of Emporia, KS, and is the first ‘BBB’ rated BDO Zone in Kansas for Corn Stover.

 The Emporia BDO Zone features a strong foundation in corn stover harvesting, providing a wealth of operational expertise and equipment availability. Situated strategically along I35, a major north-south interstate serving states from Texas to the Canadian border, and US 50, an east-west highway serving several ag production states. Emporia’s industrial sites capitalize their location along the region’s excellent highway infrastructure. Established educational institutions, Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College have a proven track record of collaborating with the industry to cultivate and attract skilled labor further reinforce the zone's infrastructure and supply chain capabilities.

Jordan Solomon, Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative stated, “Emporia's distinction as the first BDO Zone Rating in Kansas highlights its strategic utilization of corn stover biomass, paving the way for new sustainable, low-carbon markets in the region.”

“The BDO Zone rating for Emporia underscores our community's steadfast dedication to advancing sustainable economic development and fostering the creation of clean energy jobs in our region,” stated Kala Maxfield, Chairperson of the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas. “We eagerly anticipate collaborating with and bolstering biobased companies to explore further applications for our biomass resources.”

For more information about BDO Zone Rating for Emporia, Kansas please click here, or contact info@bdozone.org.