Bond Commission approves biomass plant, hospital expansion

The Louisiana State Bond Commission has approved at least two significant local projects. Point Bio Energy, based in Wisconsin, plans to build a biomass wood pellet manufacturing facility at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. The commission approved taxable revenue bonds “not exceeding” $100 million. A company official could not be reached today, but in an earlier interview said the plant will cost about $80 million, and said the company hoped to start construction by the end of the year and finish within 12 to 14 months. The wood pellets would be sold for power generation in Europe. The Louisiana Community Development Authority must still approve the bond issue, which a Bond Commission spokeswoman said is expected. The commission also approved a bond issue for Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary. The medical center can issue up to $20 million in hospital revenue bonds. Lane Regional says it plans to build a medical office building and relocate offices with the proceeds. Officials say they aren’t ready to discuss the medical office building, but the relocation and expansion of departments, such as endoscopy and labor and delivery, will take place through the summer.