The planned greenhouse project at the Spiritwood Energy Park Association industrial park is moving toward a possible start of construction in the summer of 2022 although questions still remain, according to Casey Houweling, owner of Houweling Tomatoes.

"We are at a point we know where our heat and carbon dioxide is coming from," he said. "... by the end of February or March we should have a budget, could go after financing then."

That timeline could result in site work and foundation construction in the summer of 2022 with the remaining work and completion of the project in the summer of 2023, Houweling said.

The Houweling Tomato greenhouse project would grow tomatoes and other produce under 30 acres of glass for shipping to restaurants and grocery stores around the Upper Midwest. Previously, Houweling estimated the facility would produce about seven semitrailer loads of produce every day.

Plans call for the greenhouse to draw its heat and carbon dioxide used to enhance growth of the plants from the Dakota Spirit AgEnergy ethanol plant located at the SEPA industrial park.

"The ethanol plant runs year-round," Houweling said. "The coal-fired generating plant's future is a little more uncertain."

Engineering work and getting cost quotes for making the connection from Dakota Spirit to the greenhouse are among the next steps in the project, Houweling said.

Construction costs and availability of construction materials are other issues.

"Building material is up 25%," Houweling said. "At this point freight is even a bigger issue."

Connie Ova, CEO of the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corp., said building costs are a concern for most projects.

"He (Houweling) has said from the beginning the cost of supplies will make the difference in the project," she said.

Houweling said the process of making project budgets has been difficult.

"We can't get firm quotes," he said. "A lot of uncertainty as far as the economy is concerned."

Ova said the JSDC can offer incentives.

"We can help with housing needs, the ability to tap Bank of North Dakota infrastructure loans and New Job Incentives," she said. "It would have to be a JSDC Board of Director's decision."

Houweling said the project "keeps pushing forward" through the volatility.

He also notes that the wholesale price of tomatoes and other produce his greenhouses market has remained steady and not increased.

"That is all supply and demand," he said.