CLEARFIELD, Pa. -- Construction could start in 2008 on a biomass conversion center that could be the centerpiece of a plan that would bring thousands of jobs to Pennsylvania.

The center, which would be based in Clearfield, would be the hub of as many as 10 biorefineries that would create ethanol from wood waste.

According to state Rep. Camille "Bud" George, the center will provide the the job training and services needed for the 10 biorefineries.

“Establishing the conversion center – and a site in Clearfield already is leased – is the critical, first step to building a biorefinery in Clearfield that would produce 30 million gallons of ethanol a year from wood waste,” George said. “Ten biorefineries supported by the center would create a projected 12,000 jobs across the state and reduce our dependence on foreign oil by 900 million gallons a year.”

In addition to the conversion center, plans call for one of the biorefineries to be based in Clearfield.