Anheuser-Busch expanding Idaho Falls plant

Anheuser-Busch has filed a permit application with the Idaho Falls Building Department to expand its plant.

The project, which will cost an estimated $8.8 million will involve constructing a 4,600 square foot wastewater processing plant as well as two holding tanks — each more than 8,000 square feet. They will be located on 176 acres east and south of the existing plant.

Malting barley, which makes much of the beer at the Anheuser-Busch plant, is big business in eastern Idaho.

“In eastern Idaho, probably 90 to 95 percent of the barley that’s grown is malt barley,” said Dwight Little, a member of the Idaho Barley Commission.

Should the beer giant ever need more barley, Little said it would be good for local growers.

“It means that the fertilizer people, the fuel people, everybody that provides input to the farmer is going to increase their sales,” said Little.

Anheuser-Busch said it plans to complete construction by the end of the year.