01/21/2008

Associated Press

ETHANOL AID: A program run by the Missouri treasurer's office allows ethanol plants to qualify for bank loans at below-market interest rates. But a conflict-of-interest policy prohibits the aid from going to any plant that has an investor who is a legislator, statewide elected official, state department director or close relative of those officials.

CONNECTED INVESTORS: The new Show Me Ethanol plant in Carroll County has been unable to receive the state aid because its investors include the wife of Rep. Sam Graves, the brother of Gov. Matt Blunt, and state Rep. John Quinn and his wife.

DISPUTED POLICY: The ethanol plant and the Missouri Corn Growers Association complain that State Treasurer Sarah Steelman's conflict policy is too strict. Steelman defends her policy.