CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) — Solid waste authorities in Lake County have approved a preliminary agreement with a company hoping to build an $80 million plant that would turn trash into ethanol.

The Lake County Solid Waste Management District Board voted 16-5 to approve a preliminary agreement with Powers Energy One. The company's plan for gasification would use heat to combust municipal waste into gas.

"We stand on the threshold of something great, and if we don't grab it, someone else will," said board member Roger Pelfrey.

The agreement would not prohibit the county from working with another company if its needs were greater than Powers could handle, said board attorney Cliff Duggan.

But some preferred a method proposed by Agresti Biofuels, which would grind and pressure-cook trash into a watery substance. Several environmental groups said that would be a better alternative.

Duggan said the Powers plan met technical, financial and contractual concerns that other companies haven't met.

Board member and Crown Point Mayor Dave Uran voted against the agreement Thursday, saying the Powers plan isn't sure to work.

"What if this fails?" Uran asked.

The plan still has several hurdles to clear, including a public hearing, potential changes and final approval.