JASPER Co., Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — St. Joseph Renewable Fuels will have its place in Newton’s Southtown Industrial Park.

Jasper County was chosen for the project as an opportunity zone, which is an area the federal government sees as distressed and in need of economic revitalization.

“I think it’s going to be a good advantageous place both for the city and the county as far as job creation is concerned,” said CEO Geoff Hirson.

“The plant will create 200 construction jobs over the next two years, along with 300 trucking jobs and 100 permanent jobs once the plant opens.

“Anytime you have a hundred solid jobs coming to a small community as ours, I mean, that’s a gift,” said County Board Chairman Ron Heltsley.

Take-home COVID-19 tests will be given to construction workers and if COVID-19 is still a threat when the plant opens they will be given to employees.

The test would come from a company based in Illinois where results would be on the employees phone in 15 minutes.

Construction on the plant is expected to begin later this year.