Eastern Kentucky University students and faculty working to turn algae into energy recently were awarded a $220,000 biofuels research grant through the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.
“We are going to be establishing several research plots with switchgrass to evaluate different methods of establishment and to have a source of biomass to test for the breakdown of biomass into sugars that are usable for algae,” said Bruce Pratt of EKU’s Department of Agriculture. “Other parts of the project that will be initiated will be utilization of co-products from the biomass breakdown, such as lignin and products from the algae oil extraction process. The research dealing specifically with algae will be done by our corporate partner, General Atomics. We would like to be able to initiate some algae research on campus in the near future.”
Several efforts have gone into funding the project, Pratt said.
Rep. Ben Chandler helped secure a $4 million earmark for the 2009 fiscal year that was passed down from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) through the Defense Logistics Agency.
“We have completed all of the hurdles and red tape and the funding should be available by the end of the month we hope,” Pratt said. “I thought EKU had a lot of red tape, but the DOD I think has everyone beat in that department.”
The Appalachian Regional Commission also has provided $350,000 for the project.
“The (agriculture) development funding was established through the tobacco buyout program in part to help Kentucky agriculture establish alternative crops,” Pratt said.
A $27,000 state Perkins Equipment Grant helped purchase a bioreactor to give students experiences in this emerging technology, he said.
Madison and Clark counties each donated $10,000 in funding.
“We feel that biomass crops have the potential to help Kentucky producers with one more opportunity,” he said. “The initial funding from all of these sources are a great start, but it will take a much larger investment to ‘buy down’ the technology before it is ready for commercial investment.”
The complete research project will take several more years and a lot more funding, he said.
“We are in the process of putting together several other grants to continue this project in the future,” Pratt said. “If you look at Exxon-Mobil, they have committed $600 million for their phototrophic algae to fuel project. Also, BP oil has also made a $10 million commitment to the first phase of their heterotrophic algae to oil process. They both realize the enormity and complexity of the process and are willing to make the investment.”
Other EKU faculty involved with the project include Frank O’Connor, who is working on economic analyses, Don Llewellyn, who is doing part of the biomass research and Nathan Tice and Laurel Morton from the college’s chemistry department who are helping with the research project.
O’Connor’s economic analysis was started with funding from the university, Pratt said.
Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 624-6608.
Local News
EKU gets biofuel research grant
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Standoff at Super 8 Motel ends peacefully
A bizarre drug-fueled standoff at the Richmond Super 8 Motel ended peacefully with no one hurt, including a child who was in the room with a man that police found wielding two knives.
About 1:53 a.m. Friday, police received a call about a man who was threatening someone with a knife at the motel on North Keeneland Drive, according to Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.
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Trial for couple accused of human trafficking delayed
The trial for a Berea couple accused of human trafficking involving their daughters has been delayed.
Despite Monday morning television reports that the trial was beginning Monday, it was postponed because the attorneys are not ready to try the case.
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Richmond man charged with child porn possession
(Editor’s note: The following story contains graphic information some readers may find offensive.)
A Richmond man has been arrested for possession of child pornography as a result of a nearly one-year investigation by local police.
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Noted author to deliver keynote address for Black History Month
Almost a year ago, Arnold Rampersad stood in the East Room of the White House as he was presented the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, the noted author will stand in O’Donnell Hall of Eastern Kentucky University’s Student Success Building to deliver the keynote address for the university’s Black History Month observance. Rampersad’s visit is also part of Eastern’s year-long Chautauqua lecture series, and the title of his talk, “Black History: The Challenge of Living with Others,” coincides with this year’s Chautauqua theme, “Living with Others: Challenges and Promises.” -
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties, which has built 160 homes for people in need since 1992, is seeking applicants for partner families, according to Judy Flavell, executive director of the organization.
“We really need applicants right now,” Flavell said. “More people can qualify for Habitat homes than people realize.”
Eligible applicants must have lived in Madison or Clark counties for at least one year, have a stable income, be able to pay a modest monthly mortgage and be able to demonstrate that their current housing is overcrowded, physically substandard, too expensive, unsafe, or they are living in subsidized housing, according to Habitat.
For more information about eligibility, or to apply, call Habitat for Humanity at 625-9208 or visit its office at 1417 East Main Street in Richmond. Visit online at habitatmadisonclark.org. -
Occupational therapy dept. at EKU offers program for adults with memory loss
For local adults who are experiencing memory loss related to dementia or Alzheimer’s, the Department of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University has provided “The Place to Be” for the past two decades.
The department will again sponsor the free eight-week program on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., beginning Feb. 9. Participants can attend Thursday and/or Friday. Applications still are being accepted (call 893-0653) for the free service, which is offered in Room 100 of the Dizney Building on EKU’s campus. -
Bible Belt towns in state consider going ‘wet’
In this Appalachian college town where socially conservative views are bedrocks of life, some people want to do what was once unthinkable: legalize liquor sales.
Supporters say passing the measure in Tuesday’s special election in Barbourville would tap a new revenue source in a place where hundreds of jobs are evaporating as one plant shuts down and another cuts its workforce in half. But from the pulpits to the courthouse square, opponents have been pressing their case that uncorking liquor sales would irreparably harm the town of about 3,200. -
Tea party setting sights on state legislature
Nearly a dozen tea party candidates, including one of Kentucky's most recognizable fiscal conservatives, have set their sights on state legislative seats up for election this year.
Louisville businessman Phil Moffett, who finished second in the GOP's three-way gubernatorial primary last year, delivered candidacy papers last week to run for a House seat, hoping to bolster the tea party's foothold in the state Capitol.
Such a move has been slower in coming to Kentucky than other states. -
Trial date set in murder case
The attorney for a Berea man accused of murder has had his client evaluated by an “expert” witness, he said Thursday in Madison Circuit Court.
A report of the evaluation of Mitchell Ray Turner, 34, has been shared with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, attorney Brian Barker said during a pretrial conference in the case.
“The commonwealth would like more information before they decide if they want to do their own evaluation,” Barker told Judge Jean Chenault Logue. -
State financial actions putting strain on MEPCO
State government’s efforts to cut its spending and shift more of its financial burden to local governments, school boards and public agencies is beginning to take its toll on MEPCO, the home health organization run by the Madison County Board of Health.
Last week, MEPCO, which serves residents of Madison, Estill and Powell counties, reported a $455,500 deficit at the midpoint of its fiscal year.
The deficit was recorded even after MEPCO has cut expenses by about $383,000. - More Local News Headlines
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