Bill includes money for Joplin's Wildwood Ranch

James “Jimmer” Pinjuv has plans for a commercial, industrial and residential development on the 2,064-acre property west of Joplin. The ranch is the second-largest property in the state served with rail and utilities.

Pinjuv’s proposals for the land include an ethanol plant, which would generate 100 million gallons a year, and other manufacturing facilities.

The appropriation is part of the Department of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal 2007. The sewer project would serve the site with 8,000 feet of 12-inch diameter gravity-type sanitary sewer.

“It would help expedite the development that we intend to do,” Pinjuv said. “Any development we do, particularly in attracting a major employer, is going to require a sanitary sewer.”

The bill also contains $2.5 million for a new visitors center at the Neosho Fish Hatchery in Neosho. Blunt secured $1.1 million for that project in 2005. The Senate still must consider a similar bill and both chambers must pass a conference version.

Pinjuv said he recognized the legislative process is not complete but said the announcement encourages the private investors supporting the project to make additional contributions.

Pinjuv, an experienced developer from Las Vegas, and his backers bought the land for approximately $6 million in December.

“We are firing on all cylinders trying to decide what to do first,” Pinjuv said. “This makes us feel more confident and aggressive about moving forward.”

Pinjuv is awaiting the results of a feasibility study regarding the ethanol plant. He said he recently commissioned a second study to examine how to improve rail service to the property and encourage an additional carrier.

Jeff Wells is editor of Joplin Tri-State Business, SBJ’s sister publication. This story originally appeared in SBJ’s May 19 free e-news Daily Update. Click here to register.[[In-content Ad]]