DAYTON - Columbia Pulp I, LLC announced on Thursday that it has entered into agreements for the debt and equity funding required to commence construction of its new straw pulp manufacturing facility near Starbuck.

According to Columbia Pulp CEO John Begley, $133.6 million in tax-exempt bonds and $36 million in equity financing are expected to close simultaneously on Aug. 9. Construction should begin shortly thereafter, he said.

If plans hold, the pulp mill should be completed and begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2018. Begley said the project is expected to provide about 90 full-tim...