KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WVLT) -- DuPont Co. has joined a state initiative to build the first pilot-scale biorefinery in the U.S. that would take corncobs and switchgrass grown on Tennessee farms and convert the biomass into ethanol for fuel.

The announcement Wednesday by Gov. Phil Bredesen and DuPont officials marks a change in development partners for the University of Tennessee-managed cellulosic ethanol project.

The project has received a $40.7 million commitment from the state and a $26 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Mascoma Corp. of Boston was Tennessee's original technology and financing partner. Now Delaware-based DuPont will fill that role as part of a joint venture with Genencor, a division of Denmark-based Danisco AS.

Congressman Jimmy Duncan released the following statement about the UT/DuPont partnership:

"The University of Tennessee is a leader in alternative energy research and biofuel technology and the joint initiative with DuPont Danisco further emphasizes their work. I am very pleased that this venture is moving forward and that the research facility and plant will be located in Vonore.

"This partnership will not only benefit our local economy, but by investing in biofuel technology, they are helping to develop promising alternatives for our Nation’s future energy needs.

"There is nothing that is hurting our national economy more than rising energy costs. In the long run, this work will help bring down energy costs. "

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)