CHOCOWINITY — Town officials in Chocowinity are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a biofuel company, which is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

At Tuesday’s town meeting, council members heard the latest plans for Barber Energy’s algae farm, in which algae will be dried, processed and turned into biodiesel to sell.

The new business is being proposed on Chocowinity’s Industrial Park property, located between U.S. Highway 17 and Frederick Road and totaling about 270 acres. Barber Energy would purchase the whole property and utilize about 220 acres of it.

“We’re looking at approximately 350 jobs that we will hire, that will be on my payroll,” owner Al Barber told the council. “Most of the profits that we make from this particular venture are going to be going back into the community. … I would rather make a difference than make a profit.”

Barber, who is investing about $200 million into the project, said Chocowinity was a good place to be, as it has railroad and highway access. He said he feels like building a company in Beaufort County was meant to be.

“It’s a great community, wonderful people, and you know, you have what I need and amazingly I’ve got something you need, too, so I think it’s a great partnership,” Barber said. “We’re all working toward the same goal, which is to get this done right, and I believe in doing things the right way.”

According to Barber, the company is planning three buildings for the site: a production facility to process algae and make biodiesel; an office space with lab testing facilities and a company-wide training center; and a place for corporate housing for visiting employees.

Barber Energy will also delve into the biodegradable plastic industry, as well.

Barber said he is taking a community-first approach, and he wants to build good relationships with the residents.

“I want to be a good neighbor. I want people to want me to come to this town,” he said. “Anyone that doesn’t want me to come to town, just tell me now. I’ll pack up and I’ll leave.”

Mayor pro tem William Albritton said he thinks the venture will bring more industries to the Chocowinity area — calling the plans “mind boggling.”

“If there’s anything we can do to help you, we’ll be more than willing,” Mayor James Mobley told Barber. “I’ve also had people ask me, ‘Well, why Chocowinity?’ and I said, ‘Why not?’”

Barber said there are still permits to obtain and layout details to iron out, but he wants to start building as soon as possible, perhaps next year.

“I believe that it’s an act of God. That’s why I’m not looking for any recognition,” Barber said. “I’m just a steward of his money. If I can create good-paying jobs in this community, I will do that.”